Self-reported periodontitis and C-reactive protein in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study of two American cohorts.

Periodontitis triggers systemic repercussions, such as elevated levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This has never been studied within Parkinson's Disease (PD). The aim of this study is to compare hs-CRP levels of self-reported periodontitis cases versus cases without periodontitis in PD patients. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2016 and 2017-2018 waves) were analyzed. PD cases were identified through medication regimens and periodontitis cases through a validated self-report questionnaire. 51 participants were included (24 females, 27 males, with mean age of 62.96 (14.71)). While the self-reported periodontitis group presented elevated levels of circulating hs-CRP (5.36 vs. 1.99 mg/L, p = 0.031), the self-reported without periodontitis group presented higher lymphocyte levels (29.35 vs. 28.03%, p = 0.007). Blood levels of hs-CRP were significantly higher in PD cases with self-reported periodontitis. Apart from the lymphocyte levels, there were no other significant differences according to the self-reported periodontal status. Future studies shall explore this association using clinical measures.