The association between periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), inflammatory biomarkers, and mitochondrial DNA copy number

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease induced by bacteria in dental plaque that can activate the host’s immune-inflammatory response and invade the bloodstream. We hypothesized that a higher periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers, lower levels of antioxidants, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). Methods: Using periodontal parameters, we calculated the PISA score, measured the levels of inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidants in the serum, and took buccal swabs for mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA) extraction. Results: Higher PISA was associated with higher CRP levels, higher leukocyte, neutrophil, and erythrocyte counts, and lower magnesium-to-calcium ratio, but not with mtDNAcn. A higher number of deep pockets was associated with higher leukocytes and neutrophil counts and higher uric acid levels. Conclusions: The PISA score might be an appropriate parameter to assess the inflammatory burden of periodontitis, but not to assess mitochondrial dysfunction after mtDNA isolation from buccal swabs.