Mediating Effects of Systemic Inflammation on the Association Between Body Roundness Index and Periodontitis in US Adults

Body Roundness Index (BRI), has emerged as a novel anthropometric indicator that more precisely estimates visceral adiposity and body fat percentage. Obesity, particularly the dysfunction of adipose tissue in visceral obesity, leads to the secretion of many pro-inflammatory factors, triggering systemic inflammatory responses. Systemic inflammation is recognized as a key role in both obesity and periodontitis. However, whether BRI affects periodontitis, the mediating role of systemic inflammation in BRI-related periodontitis has not been elucidated. This study supports that BRI is significantly associated with an increased risk of periodontitis, and systemic inflammation partially mediates this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of addressing obesity and systemic inflammation as part of periodontal disease prevention and management strategies.