# Men with HIV Have Increased Alveolar Bone Loss

## TL;DR

Men with HIV show more alveolar bone loss than those without, possibly due to higher IL6 levels, highlighting the need for better oral health care for people living with HIV.

## Contribution

This study identifies increased alveolar bone loss in men with HIV, potentially linked to elevated IL6 levels.

## Key findings

- Men with HIV had significantly greater alveolar crestal height, indicating more bone loss.
- GCF IL6 levels were higher in men with HIV, though not statistically significant.
- No differences were found in bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, or pocket depths between groups.

## Abstract

Periodontal health in men with HIV remains understudied, despite suggestions of associations between HIV infection and gingival pocketing, periodontal attachment loss, and gingival inflammation. As antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLWH), aging-related risk factors and comorbidities, including periodontitis, have emerged. This study aims to assess alveolar bone height, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokines, and periodontal disease activity in men with and without HIV.

Ninety-three men (50 HIV+, 43 HIV‒) aged 35–70 years were recruited from Columbia University Irving Medical Center clinics. Periodontal examination, GCF collection, and intraoral radiographs were conducted.

While no significant differences were observed in bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss and pocket depths, men with HIV exhibited significantly greater alveolar crestal height on radiographs compared to men without HIV (HIV + 3.41+/−1.35 mm, HIV− 2.64+/−1.01 mm; p = 0.004), reflecting greater alveolar bone loss. GCF IL6 levels showed a trend towards elevation in men with HIV (HIV + 0.349+/−0.407 pg/ml, HIV− 0.220+/−0.228 pg/ml; p = 0.059).

Men with HIV demonstrate increased alveolar bone loss compared to those without HIV, possibly mediated by elevated IL6 levels. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive oral health management in PLWH and highlight the need for further research understanding the mechanisms linking HIV infection, cytokine dysregulation, and periodontal health.