The association between trypsin‐like protease activity in the oral cavity and kidney function in Japanese workers

Abstract

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association between trypsin‐like protease (TLP) activity in the oral cavity as an indicator of periodontal health status and kidney function in Japanese workers.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 1117 Japanese workers (mean age = 43.8 years). Tongue‐swab TLP activity was quantified as a* value (the redness intensity of the matrix disc of the TLP activity assessment kit; a larger value indicates more intense enzymatic activity in the samples and poorer periodontal health status). Kidney function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; a lower value indicates poorer kidney function). We performed ordinal logistic regression analyses to assess the association of the a* value with three eGFR categories: ≥90, 60–89 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.ResultsThe prevalence for each eGFR category was as follows: ≥90 (31.6%), 60–89 (63.8%) and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (4.6%). After adjusting for potential confounders, the a* value was found to be significantly associated with reduced kidney function. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for reduced kidney function was 1.12 (1.02–1.22) per unit increase in the a* value.ConclusionsHigher TLP activity was associated with reduced kidney function in Japanese workers.