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Purpose: A growing body of epidemiologic evidence links oral health, periodontal disease and cardiovascular health. While underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are unclear, several studies have suggested a sub-acute inflammatory state, also implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. The objective of the current study was to investigate associations between self-reported dental hygiene (brushing, flossing, preventive care and overall dental health), cardiovascular disease risk factors and systemic inflammation. Methods: 128 adults from 5 different rural counties in West Virginia participated in a comprehensive, community-based health screening that included anthropometric assessments, collection of a blood specimen and completion of a questionnaire about dental hygiene practices and oral health. Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated multiple statistically significant associations between self-reported dental hygiene and cardiovascular disease risk factors and markers of systemic inflammation. In regression analysis, after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factor covariates, self-reported dental hygiene demonstrated statistically significant and independent associations with adiponectin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1). Conclusion: This study demonstrated associations between dental hygiene and systemic inflammation, independent from BMI and blood cholesterol. Future studies should investigate whether periodontal-related systemic inflammation begins before the onset of clinical disease. Results from this and other studies highlight the importance of dental hygiene in overall systemic health, and are beginning to collectively suggest that regular dental hygiene care is an integral part of comprehensive health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The C8 Health Project was created, authorized, and funded as part of the settlement agreement reached in the case of Jack W. Leach, et al. v. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (no. 01-C-608 W.Va., Wood County Circuit Court, filed 10 April 2002). The settlement stemmed from the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, or C8) contamination of drinking water in six water districts in two states near the DuPont Washington Works facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia. Objectives: This study reports on the methods and results from the C8 Health Project, a population study created to gather data that would allow class members to know their own PFOA levels and permit subsequent epidemiologic investigations. Methods: Final study participation was 69,030, enrolled over a 13-month period in 2005-2006. Extensive data were collected, including demographic data, medical diagnoses (both self-report and medical records review), clinical laboratory testing, and determination of serum concentrations of 10 perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Here we describe the processes used to collect, validate, and store these health data. We also describe survey participants and their serum PFC levels. Results: The population geometric mean for serum PFOA was 32.91 ng/mL, 500% higher than previously reported for a representative American population. Serum concentrations for perfluorohexane sulfonate and perfluorononanoic acid were elevated 39% and 73% respectively, whereas perfluorooctanesulfonate was present at levels similar to those in the U.S. population. Conclusions: This largest known population study of community PFC exposure permits new evaluations of associations between PFOA, in particular, and a range of health parameters. These will contribute to understanding of the biology of PFC exposure. The C8 Health Project also represents an unprecedented effort to gather basic data on an exposed population; its achievements and limitations can inform future legal settlements for populations exposed to environmental contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorocarbons from common household products such as food containers, stain- resistant protection for clothing, furniture and carpets, paints, and fire-fighting foams are found in soil, water, plants, animal and human serum worldwide. Previous research has shown a significant association between these chemicals and thyroid disease in women. The present data from the C8 Health Project assessed thyroid function in a cross-sectional analysis of 52,296 adults with a year or more of exposure to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) from drinking water. Outcomes were: thyroxine, T3 uptake, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Analyses were stratified by gender and age group (< 20 - < 50 years and > 50). Both PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were associated with significant elevations in serum thyroxine and a significant reduction in T3 uptake in all participants. There were also significant gender/PFOS interactions for T3( )uptake and thyroxine, as well as gender/PFOA interactions for T3 uptake. Results provide evidence for disruption of thyroid function related to these common chemicals and possible mechanisms are discussed.

Purpose: A growing body of epidemiologic evidence links oral health, periodontal disease and cardiovascular health. While underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are unclear, several studies have suggested a sub-acute inflammatory state, also implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. The objective of the current study was to investigate associations between self-reported dental hygiene (brushing, flossing, preventive care and overall dental health), cardiovascular disease risk factors and systemic inflammation., Methods: 128 adults from 5 different rural counties in West Virginia participated in a comprehensive, community-based health screening that included anthropometric assessments, collection of a blood specimen and completion of a questionnaire about dental hygiene practices and oral health., Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated multiple statistically significant associations between self-reported dental hygiene and cardiovascular disease risk factors and markers of systemic inflammation. In regression analysis, after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factor covariates, self-reported dental hygiene demonstrated statistically significant and independent associations with adiponectin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)., Conclusion: This study demonstrated associations between dental hygiene and systemic inflammation, independent from BMI and blood cholesterol. Future studies should investigate whether periodontal-related systemic inflammation begins before the onset of clinical disease. Results from this and other studies highlight the importance of dental hygiene in overall systemic health, and are beginning to collectively suggest that regular dental hygiene care is an integral part of comprehensive health care.