Introduction The associations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) with reduced saliva flow rates have not been previously reported.

Objective The present study aimed to assess the association of cholesterolemia with reduced saliva flow rates in community-dwelling elderly subjects.

Methods The present study analyzed 342 participants (170 males and 172 females aged between 78 and 79 years old). Unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR) was assessed using a cotton roll method. Low-USFR was defined as 0.10 g/30 seconds. Stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR) was assessed by having the participants chew tasteless gum for 3 minutes. Low-SSFR was defined as 1.0 mL/minute. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of LDL-C, HDL-C, rheumatoid factor, hemoglobin A1c, and creatinine. To assess depression, the General Health Questionnaire 30 was used. A standardized questionnaire was completed, covering the current and previous medications of the participants and smoking status. We stratified the serum LDL-C levels of the participants as normal, moderate or severe hyper-LDL cholesterolemia and serum HDL-C levels as normal or hypo-HDL cholesterolemia. Multivariate logistic regression models were established and low-USFR or low-SSFR were set as dependent variables in the aforementioned models.

Results After controlling for the effects of the other variables, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for low-USFR were 2.25 (1.10-4.61) for moderate and 5.69 (1.55-20.8) for severe hyper-LDL cholesterolemia, while that of hypo-HDL cholesterolemia was 3.40 (1.33-8.69). Severe hyper-LDL cholesterolemia was also associated with low-SSFR with an OR of 3.89 (1.39-10.88).

Conclusion Elderly patients with cholesterolemia have a risk of reduced salivary flow rate.