Mediating role of immune cells in association between volatile organic compounds and periodontitis: NHANES 2011–2014

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate quickly and are found all around us-from paints to cleaning products. Understanding how these compounds affect our health is crucial, especially regarding conditions like periodontitis, a common oral chronic inflammatory disease. In our study, we looked at urine samples from 1525 people who participated in a national health survey between 2011 and 2014 to find out if there is an association between VOC exposure and the risk of developing periodontitis. We found that certain chemicals in the urine, which show VOC exposure, were indeed associated with a greater risk of the disease. We further investigated the collective impact of these VOCs on the risk of periodontitis, revealing that certain chemicals exert a more significant influence than their counterparts. Additionally, our research hints at a potential role for monocytes in the interplay between VOCs and the risk of periodontitis. Our data suggest that exposure to VOCs could be associated with a greater likelihood of periodontitis, with monocytes potentially playing a role in this relationship. This study helps us better understand the potential health impacts of daily chemical exposure and underscores the importance of investigating further how our environment affects our health.