Potential association between periodontitis and liver function test abnormalities: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Previous studies have indicated that periodontitis was associated with various liver diseases; however, few large-scale population-level studies were available. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the associations between periodontitis and liver function test (LFT) indexes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were sourced from 2009 to 2014 the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) databases, and the study population included 10139 participants. LFTs included indicators of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to increase the comparison. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between periodontitis and LFT abnormalities in the total sample and age subgroups.

RESULTS

After PSM adjustments, logistic regression results indicated that periodontitis was significantly associated with an increased risk of TP (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.46; 95 % confidence internal (CI): 1.02, 2.10), GLB (AOR 2.02; 95 % CI: 1.18, 3.45), γ-GGT (AOR 1.32; 95 % CI: 1.02, 1.70), and ALP (AOR 2.00; 95 % CI: 1.05, 3.84). In the subgroup aged 45-64 years, there was elevated odds of ALT levels (AOR 1.73; 95 % CI: 1.03, 2.9); in the subgroup aged 65 years or above, we identified a statistically significant association in ALP (AOR 5.39; 95 % CI: 1.62, 17.99).

CONCLUSION

Periodontitis is associated with abnormal LFTs. Particularly, periodontitis may increase risks for elevated γ-GGT, ALP, and GLB levels. Furthermore, the relationship between periodontitis and LFTs showed significant heterogeneity across different age groups.