Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in plasma and their correlation with periodontal status in obese and non-obese subjects

Background: Obesity is emerging as a significant health problem worldwide and is a risk factor for various systemic diseases. Periodontal disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disease. Recent evidence points to a link between obesity and periodontal disease, and a role for tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) has been suggested. Materials and Method: Forty nondiabetic subjects were divided into two groups: group A (non-obese) included subjects with body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 27 kg/m2, and group B (obese) included subjects with BMI>27 kg/m2. The BMI, TNF-α levels in plasma and Periodontal Disease Index (PDI) scores were assessed, compared and correlated. Results: Significantly higher PDI scores and TNF-α levels were found in the obese group as compared to those in the non-obese group. Also, a significant and positive correlation was seen between BMI and TNF-α, TNF-α and PDI as well as BMI and PDI. Conclusion: Increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-a in plasma and an increase in the severity of periodontal disease may be seen in subjects with a higher body mass index (BMI). This indicates that obesity may be detrimental to the periodontal health of individuals.