Age-related changes in gingival blood flow parameters measured using laser speckle flowmetry

• Published in: Microvascular research Vol. 122; pp. 6 - 12
• Main Authors: Ohsugi, Yuko, Nagashima, Yoshinao, Nakatsu, Susumu, Sato, Kayo, Chiba, Atsuko, Fujinaka, Hidetake, Yano, Yoshitaka, Niki, Yoshifumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2019
• Subjects: Aging; Blood flow; Gingiva; Laser speckle; Microcirculation; Vascular conductance; PP; SBP; GI; PR; PPD; BOT; Laser speckle; LSFG; Vascular conductance; Blood flow; Microcirculation; DBP; ATI; Aging; MBP; MBR; Gingiva; BMI
• ISSN: 0026-2862; 1095-9319
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.10.010

Previous studies have suggested a possible relationship between age-related changes to human gingival hemodynamics and periodontal disease. However, firmly establishing this has been difficult because of a lack of suitable tools. Our study investigated whether a non-invasive laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG)-based 2-dimensional technique could be used to assess maxillary anterior gingival blood flow under resting conditions. In total, 124 healthy male volunteers aged between 22 and 69 years were included in the study and delineated into young (Y; 22–37 years, n = 45), middle-aged (M; 38–53 years, n = 43), and elderly groups (E; 54–69 years, n = 36). The differences in gingival hemodynamics were compared among age groups and pulse waveform analysis performed to calculate blood flow indices, mean blur rate (MBR), gingival vascular conductance (MBR/mean blood pressure [MBP]), and three pulse waveform parameters (acceleration time index [ATI], falling rate, and blowout time [BOT]). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in the MBR of the three age groups, vascular conductance (MBR/MBP) was lower in groups M and E compared to group Y and correlated negatively with age. ATI and falling rates were also significantly higher in group E relative to group Y, whereas average BOT was significantly lower. All of the assessed parameters correlated with age. These data suggest that there are age-related decreases in the ability to maintain blood flow in the human maxillary anterior gingiva under resting conditions which may impact the likelihood of periodontal disease. •There is a suggested link between gingival blood flow, age, and periodontal disease.•Laser speckle flowgraphy was used to assess gingival blood flow in volunteers.•Vascular conductance and blowout time were lower in older than in young groups.•Acceleration time indices and falling rates were higher in older individuals.•Our study confirms age-related differences in resting gingival blood flow.