Association between serum neurofilament light chain and periodontitis

Abstract

Objectives The association between serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and periodontitis remains unclear, and there is a need to examine the contribution of serum albumin (SA) in this association. The objective of the study is to investigate the correlation between sNfLand periodontitis, while examining the potential mediator role of SA in this association. Methods The study, which included 1218 participants from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), aimed to evaluate the association between sNfL and periodontitis through weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, and stratified models. In addition, mediation analysis was used to investigate the role of SA in mediating this association. Results The multivariable logistic regression models revealed that sNfL was significantly linked to periodontitis (model 1: odds ratio [OR], 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48 to 6.39, model 2: OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.73 to 7.90, model 3: OR, 3.58, 95% CI, 1.52 to 8.43). The RCS models suggested a linear relationship between sNfL and periodontitis. The stratified analysis revealed no significant moderating effects (p-value > 0.05). The mediation analysis demonstrated that SA mediated the correlation between sNfL and periodontitis, with a mediation proportion of 10.62%. Conclusions The results point to sNfL being a factor in the heightened risk of periodontitis. Additionally, SA may mediate the changes in periodontitis that are associated with sNfL. Clinical relevance sNfL may contribute to the development of periodontitis by mediating changes in SA in humans.