The effects of metabolic risk factors on periodontal health and saliva myeloperoxidase levels in menopause

Objectives: Menopause is a physiological process which increases susceptibility to periodontal disease and metabolic problems. Saliva has been used commonly as a diagnostic fluid for periodontal and systemic diseases. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is secreted by neutrophils and it has a great role in protective mechanism of the saliva. The aim of this study was to evaluate the multiple effects of metabolic risk factors on periodontal health and saliva MPO levels in menopausal women.
Methods: 176 women, between 30-70 years old, were categorized according to the menopausal status as premenopause (n=86) or postmenopause (n=90) and count of the metabolic risk factors. Sociodemographics and systemic status was determined via questionnaire and medical records. Clinical periodontal parameters and saliva MPO levels were measured.
Results: In menopause, they were increased, not only the periodontal parameter values but also count of metabolic risk factors. Periodontal parameters were positively correlated with body mass index, abdominal obesity, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio but negatively correlated with saliva volume. Saliva MPO levels were higher in postmenopausal group than those in premenopausal group. Also it was positively correlated with clinical attachment level, triglyceride, and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein ratio.
Conclusions: It could be considered that in menopause more metabolic risk factors, greater periodontal breakdown. Salivary MPO may be an indicator in systemically and periodontally inflammation.