Exploring the Association Between Periodontal Inflammation and Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase: Findings From a Longitudinal Study Among the Japanese Older Population

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether periodontal inflammation is associated with elevation of aspartate aminotransferase serum (AST) levels, which serve as a marker for inflammation or injury in particular organs, focusing on older adults. Materials and Methods: This 3-year longitudinal study, part of the Niigata Elderly Study cohort, included a total of 233 individuals aged 77 years. As the main exposure, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated from all teeth except the third molar and then categorized into quartiles. AST was measured from the vessel blood sample and observed by the changes between baseline and follow-up examination as the outcome. Positive AST serum changes indicated deteriorated conditions. The highest PISA quartile group was selected to examine the correlation with the elevated AST group using logistic regression analysis. Results: During the 3-year follow-up examination, 86 participants (36.9) developed an elevated AST level. The PISA highest quartile group was significantly associated with changes in cumulative AST serum levels (OR 2.191; 95 CI 1.148�4.181) after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: This finding suggests that periodontal inflammation in older adults is more likely to develop AST elevation over 3 years. Therefore, assessment and treatment for periodontitis are still important to prevent any deterioration in future health conditions. © 2025 Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry.