LAUSR

AIM To quantify the levels of miRNA-146a in subgingival plaque samples, and correlate with periodontal and cardiac parameters, in chronic periodontitis patients with and without coronary heart disease. METHODS The study involved 90 subjects; 30 patients with chronic periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CP + CHD) as part of Group I; group II comprising 30 with chronic periodontitis alone (CP); and group III comprising 30 systemically healthy controls. Demographic variables, periodontal parameters such as plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels, cardiac parameters such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride levels, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded from the patients. miRNA-146a level was analyzed in subgingival plaque samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and correlated with periodontal and cardiac parameters. RESULTS miRNA-146a showed the highest levels in the CP + CHD group and also showed a positive correlation with body mass index, and periodontal and cardiac parameters. CONCLUSION miRNA-146a is involved in the pathogenesis of both periodontitis and coronary heart disease.