We investigated the association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome (MS) based on the examination of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers.
 The community periodontal index (CPI) was examined to estimate the index of periodontitis.
 Moreover, quantitive analysis of the GCF biomarkers was conducted using Perio-catcher (Ikagaku, Kyoto).
 MS was judged according to the judging standard of the MS diagnostic-criteria examination committee.
 The candidates were 1,119 persons. We examined the association between the presence or absence of periodontal pockets and expression of GCF biomarkers.
 In addition, we examined the relationship between MS-associated parameters and CPI/GCF biomarkers using logistic regression analysis in the participants adjusted for age and sex. A high plasma glucose level was associated with Lf. BMI was associated with Lf and AT. The blood pressure was associated with CPI. However, there was no association between the parameters of lipids,the waist,MS, and CPI/GCF biomarkers. Among the subjects positive for MS-associated parameters, there were significant differences in BMI and lipids between subjects who were positive for 2 or more items on biomarker tests and those with negative reactions.
 These findings revealed a significant correlation between the GCF biomarkers and MS-related index.
 Furthermore, the possibility that the examination of GCF biomarkers may serve as an index useful for morbidity evaluation in periodontitis was suggested.

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 This study was carried out to quantitatively evaluate the influence of acid erosion on dentin using an Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer (EPMA). Polished dentin slabs were immersed in three kinds of acid solution with different pH values for 60, 120, or 180 minutes, respectively. The slabs were brushed with either a slurry containing non-fluoridated toothpaste or water using bristles of a sonic toothbrush for 1 minute. The slabs without brushing were regarded as a control group. When the surfaces of eroded dentin were sputter-coated with platinum and images of the slabs were using obtained EPMA, the outer surface of demineralized organic surface layers was cleary outlined with a thin layer of platinum. Then, the depth of dentinal loss was measured by image analysis. As a result, the loss of eroded dentin rose with an increasing period of exposure to the acid solutions, depending on the pH of the solutions. Analysis using ANOVA indicated that the thickness of dentinal loss was affected by the kinds of acid solution and erosion time, with a significant interaction between these factors. However, toothbrushing conditions had little influence on the loss of eroded dentin. The results suggest that this method using EPMA is useful for the quantitative evaluation of the loss of eroded dentin.

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 We investigated the association between the sense of coherence (SOC) score and nutritional outcome to identify factors related to the prevention of malnutrition in 63 elderly subjects (20 males, 43 females; mean age: 81.1 years old) at nursing homes with regular care assistance in the Kitakyushu area, and who did not have mental or psychological problems such as dementia or depression. The nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA).
 Assessment of the oral health status including the swallowing function was also performed. Information regarding the lifestyle was obtained by a questionnaire completed during face-to-face interviews at the day-care centers.
 Our results showed a significant correlation between the SOC score and MNA, physical fitness, appetite, and number of teeth. Multiple regression analysis showed that the correlation between the SOC score and MNA remained significant after adjusting for possible confounding factors. The nutritional status of elderly individuals was associated with health-oriented behavior based on the salutogenic concept.

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 This study aimed to elucidate the relationships among subjective symptoms of "difficulty chewing" and appetite and other oral symptoms, social environmental factors, and nutritional intake. A questionnaire was sent to all 70-year-olds in Niigata City, and 600 subjects were randomly selected from among those interested in study participation. The number of teeth present was counted for intraoral assessment. The questionnaire was used to assess subjective oral symptoms as well as the Health Practice Index (HPI) based on Breslow's seven health habits. A face scale was used for QOL assessment such as the daily general condition, and interactions with family and friends and the presence or absence of a spouse were assessed as social factors. The nutritional status was evaluated by a dietician using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The intake of total calories, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins was calculated using a formula. A blood sample was collected for the measurement of serum albumin, total protein, and total cholesterol levels. For statistical analysis, the relationships among each factor and appetite and chewing difficulty were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Subjects with a good appetite had satisfactory relationships with family and friends (odds ratio: 3.19, p=0.001), and a more favorable general condition (odds ratio: 2.07, p=0.036).
 Subjects without difficulty chewing had more teeth (odds ratio: 1.04, p=0.001), no symptoms such as toothache (odds ratio: 0.16-0.58, p<0.0001-0.029), and satisfactory relationships with family and friends (odds ratio: 2.12, p=0.049).
 In conclusion, appetite and chewing difficulty may be associated with social factors and the overall health, such as QOL.

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Abstract in Japanese

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