Leira Y, et al. - Authors assessed whether or not the levels of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in serum are increased in periodontal disease and if there is an association to the severity of periodontitis. In this case-control study, they collected the serum samples from 40 patients with periodontitis and from 40 nonperiodontitis individuals. Increased serum NT-proBNP levels are observed in periodontitis vs individuals without periodontitis. Furthermore, the degree of periodontal destruction is directly proportional to the levels of NT-proBNP in serum.