Periodontal disease: links with serum lipid/ triglyceride levels? Review and new data.

Evidence now supports an intriguing role for serum lipids/triglycerides in modulation of the host immune response to infection. This paper will review the studies that have been conducted in humans and various animal models of the association between elevated serum lipids/triglycerides (i.e. hyperlipidaemia) and periodontitis (PD). We will also present new data in rats that suggests a bi-directional relationship between hyperlipidaemia and PD, i.e. that PD itself may be able to modulate serum lipid levels. This review will introduce evidence from other studies that the type of dietary lipids is important in the modulation of the immune/inflammatory response. Overall, the studies presented herein suggest that further investigation using epidemiological and experimental approaches is warranted.