Influence of apical periodontitis on serum levels of C-reactive protein: literature review.

Abstract

Apical periodontitis is a bacteria-induced diseasethat activatesthelocalized release ofpro-inflammatory mediators capable of inducing the productionof acute-phase proteins (like C-reactive protein) by the liver. Even mild elevations of serum levelsof CRP are associated with higher cardiovascular risk. Literature shows many studies that evaluated the correlation between periodontal disease, inflammatory markers (like CRP and IL6) and cardiovascular diseases. However, few studies have assessed the possible association between chronic apical periodontitis or history of endodontic treatment and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present review was to assess the current evidence regarding the possible association between chronic apical periodontitis and elevation of serum CRP.