Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
periodontitis are chronic inflammatory diseases with several pathogenic pathways in common. Evidence supports an association between the diseases, but the exact underlying mechanisms behind the connection are still under investigation.
Lipid,
fatty acid (FA) and metabolic profile alterations have been associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases, including RA and
periodontitis. Mitochondria have a central role in regulating cellular bioenergetic and whole-body metabolic homeostasis, and
mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as a possible link between the two disorders. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore whole-blood FA, serum
lipid composition, and
carnitine- and
choline derivatives in 78 RA outpatients with different degrees of periodontal
inflammation. The main findings were alterations in
lipid, FA, and
carnitine- and
choline derivative profiles. More specifically, higher total FA and total
cholesterol concentrations were found in active RA. Elevated
phospholipid concentrations with concomitant lower
choline, elevated medium-chain acylcarnitines (MC-AC), and decreased ratios of MC-AC and long-chain (LC)-AC were associated with
prednisolone medication. This may indicate an altered mitochondrial function in relation to the increased inflammatory status in RA disease. Our findings may support the need for interdisciplinary collaboration within the field of medicine and dentistry in patient stratification to improve personalized treatment. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to further assess the potential impact of
mitochondrial dysfunction on RA and
periodontitis.