Association between periodontal condition with liver abnormalities and metabolic syndrome by level of alcohol consumption in middle-aged adults

Objectives: The association between periodontitis and liver abnormalities has been reported, but it has not been described in relation to metabolic syndrome (MetS), which often coexists with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was performed to investigate the association between the combination of liver abnormality and MetS with periodontal condition in Japanese adults, according to level of alcohol consumption.
Methods: In 2008, 4,207 males aged 45.4 ± 8.9 years and 1,270 females aged 45.9 ± 9.7 years had annual workplace health check-ups at a company in Japan. Periodontal pocket depth, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and metabolic components were examined. Elevated ALT was defined as a value ≥40 IU/L. Alcohol consumption was divided into two groups: low versus high consumption (cutoff, ≥30 g/day for males and ≥20 g/day for females). The association of mean periodontal pocket depth as dependent variables with elevated ALT and MetS as the independent variable were examined in multiple linear regression model, according to level of alcohol consumption.
Results: The percentage of subjects with elevated ALT was 17.1% in males and 3.0% in females. There were 16.0% of males with three or more of the five MetS components, and 8.7% of females. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant association between deep pocket depth and the coexistence of elevated ALT and MetS in males with low alcohol consumption. Females showed no such relationship.
Conclusions: The association between liver abnormalities and periodontal condition was seen in male subjects with no or low alcohol consumption and having MetS, providing new insight about the connection between liver function and periodontal health.