Inflammatory biomarkers

What it is: An enzyme released by activated neutrophils during inflammation. Elevated blood MPO reflects active vascular/leukocyte inflammation and is used as a marker of cardiovascular risk and plaque instability.

Periodontal connection: Periodontitis is a chronic neutrophil-driven inflammatory infection. The oral inflammatory burden contributes to systemic neutrophil activation, and elevated MPO can prompt a physician referral that uncovers untreated periodontal disease. Periodontal therapy lowers systemic inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP; a direct effect on MPO has not been established.

Clinical note: When a patient reports an elevated MPO (often flagged by their physician/cardiologist), evaluate periodontal status carefully. Treating active periodontitis is a reasonable, low-risk contribution to lowering total inflammatory load. Coordinate with the referring physician and re-measure over time.

What it is: An acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to systemic inflammation. The high-sensitivity assay (hs-CRP) is a widely used, validated predictor of future cardiovascular events.

Periodontal connection: Periodontitis raises circulating hs-CRP, and successful periodontal treatment is associated with a reduction in serum hs-CRP. It is one of the most consistently reported biomarkers linking periodontal inflammation to systemic/cardiovascular risk.

Clinical note: Untreated periodontitis is one contributor to elevated hs-CRP that is worth ruling out. Periodontal assessment and therapy can meaningfully contribute to lowering systemic inflammation; document baseline and follow-up where the physician re-tests. Intensive full-mouth treatment in a single session can briefly raise hs-CRP before it falls, so avoid re-testing right after treatment.