Blood Group Associations in Periodontal Disease
Summary
Periodontal disease arises from a complex interplay between host genetics, immune response and microbial biofilm. Among inherited traits, blood group antigens—particularly those of the ABO and Lewis systems—have been investigated as potential modulators of periodontal risk. These antigens are expressed not only on erythrocytes but also on epithelial surfaces and in gingival crevicular fluid, where they may influence microbial adhesion and local inflammatory cascades. Epidemiological studies have reported variable links between specific blood groups and both prevalence and severity of periodontitis, suggesting that antigenic profiles could affect cytokine patterns, neutrophil function and tissue remodelling. Although findings are not uniformly consistent, the concept of blood‐group stratification holds promise for refining risk prediction and tailoring preventive or therapeutic approaches in diverse populations worldwide.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Foundational analyses have explored whether inherited ABO or Lewis phenotypes predispose to periodontitis and related cardiovascular conditions. One seminal investigation examined a large cohort to determine associations between blood‐group phenotypes and chronic periodontitis, finding no clear link with periodontal status but identifying a marked elevation of stroke risk among individuals lacking Lewis a and b antigens. This work underscored the importance of cohort composition, phenotype definitions and population‐specific factors when assessing genetic contributions to inflammatory oral diseases.
Blood Group Associations in Periodontal Disease publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in blood group associations in periodontal disease across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
ABO blood group system: A classification of human blood based on presence of A and B carbohydrate antigens on erythrocytes and other tissues.
Lewis blood group phenotype: A system defined by expression of fucosylated antigens (Lea and Leb) on mucosal surfaces and bodily fluids.
Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP): An enzyme marker of osteoclastic bone resorption found in gingival crevicular fluid and serum.
Bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSALP): An isoenzyme produced by osteoblasts, indicative of bone formation activity in periodontal tissues.
Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF): A serum‐derived exudate collected from the gingival sulcus, containing biomarkers of periodontal inflammation and tissue turnover.
References
- Lewis and AB0 blood group-phenotypes in periodontitis, cardiovascular disease, obesity and stroke. Scientific Reports (2019).
- Quercetin effects on adaptive immune response in experimental periodontitis of bacterial-immune genesis. Pharmacia (2021).
- Medication correction of the main clinical symptoms of generalized periodontitis in patients with different blood groups. Pharmacia (2023).
- The effect of complex treatment on some hematological and hemostasiological indicators during the treatment of generalized periodontitis in patients with different blood group affiliation. Pharmacia (2022).
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