Exploring the association between number of teeth, food intake, and cognitive function: A 9-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the association between the number of teeth, food intake, and cognitive function in Japanese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This 9-year longitudinal study included a total of 293 analyzable participants who participated in baseline and follow-up surveys. Dental status (number of teeth and periodontal pocket depth), dietary assessment using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire, cognitive function, and the following confounding factors were evaluated: educational level, financial satisfaction, living situation, smoking and drinking habits, history of chronic diseases, apolipoprotein E-ε4 carrier, body mass index, handgrip strength, instrumental activities of daily living, and depressive symptomatology. The Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to evaluate cognitive function. A multinomial logistic regression analysis for the intake level of each food categorized into three groups (low, moderate, high), and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) for cognitive function over nine years were performed. RESULTS: After controlling for confounding factors, the number of teeth was shown to be associated with the intake of green-yellow vegetables and meat. Furthermore, the GEE indicated that the lowest quartile of intake of green-yellow vegetables significantly associated with lower cognitive function (unstandardized regression coefficient [B] = -0.96, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -1.72 to -0.20), and the lowest quartile of intake of meat significantly associated with lower cognitive function (B = -1.42, 95 % CI: -2.27 to -0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The intake of green and yellow vegetables and meat, which is influenced by the number of teeth, was associated with cognitive function in Japanese community-dwelling older adults. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There are few studies that have examined the association between oral health, food intake, and cognitive function. This 9-year longitudinal study suggests that it is important to maintain natural teeth to enable the functional means to consume green-yellow vegetables and meat, and thereby help maintain cognitive function.

Relationship between maximal isometric tongue pressure and limit of fracture force of gels in tongue squeezing.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear objective indicator for selecting soft foods that are required for food bolus formation in older people with impaired oral function. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maximal isometric tongue pressure (MITP) and the mechanical properties of gels that can be crushed by the tongue. METHODS: This study included 65 healthy participants aged 22-96 (young group; 15 males, 15 females; older dentate group; 7 males, 8 females; older edentulous group; 10 males, 10 females). MITP was measured by the balloon-probe device. Agar gel with 10 different kinds of fracture force from 10N to 100N was used. The limit of fracture force of gels (LFFG) that were crushed by the tongue was measured by the up-and-down method. In the older edentulous group, two items were measured with and without dentures. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between MITP and LFFG in each group (p < .05). RESULTS: There were positive correlations between MITP and LFFG in all groups (overall groups: rs = .66, young group: rs = .46, older dentate group: rs = .61, older edentulous group with dentures: rs = .60, older edentulous group without dentures: rs = .47). CONCLUSION: MITP and LFFG were positively correlated in young, older dentate and older edentulous groups, suggesting that MITP has the potential to be an objective indicator of the range of mechanical properties of soft food that can be crushed by the tongue.

Factors related to subjective evaluation of difficulty in chewing among community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: Awareness of difficulty chewing may limit the diversity of food intake in older adults. However, few studies have clarified which factors are related to subjective difficulty in chewing. The aim was to identify factors related to subjective difficulty in chewing in 70- and 80-year-old Japanese older adults. METHODS: A total of 1680 participants (792 men, 888 women) were surveyed. Difficulty in chewing was assessed with questionnaires regarding food intake, such as rice, apples, beef, and hard rice crackers. The participants were classified into two groups, the "with difficulty" group (participants who answered "cannot eat," "can eat with difficulty," and "can eat if small") and the "without difficulty" group (participants who answered "can eat without problems"), according to their answers to questionnaires for each food. A logistic regression analysis with subjective difficulty in chewing as the dependent variable was performed for each food. RESULTS: Subjective difficulty in chewing was associated with age, occlusal force, and depression for rice; age, number of remaining teeth, occlusal force, and depression for apples; number of remaining teeth, occlusal force, and depression for beef; and number of remaining teeth and occlusal force for hard rice crackers. CONCLUSIONS: Age, number of remaining teeth, and occlusal force, as well as depression, might be related to subjective evaluation of difficulty chewing in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 327-333.

Anatomy of the lung revisited by 3D-CT imaging.

The anatomy of the lung was originally described based on data acquired from cadaveric studies and surgical findings. Over time, computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques have been developed, allowing for reconstruction and understanding of lung anatomy in a more intuitive way. The wide adoption of 3D-CT imaging technology has led to a variety of anatomical studies performed not only by anatomists but also by surgeons and radiologists. Such studies have led to new or modified classification systems, shed light on lung anatomy from a useful surgical viewpoint, and enabled us to analyze lung anatomy with a focus on particular anatomical features. 3D images also allow for enhanced pre- and intra-operative simulation, improved surgical safety, enhanced educational utility, and the capacity to perform large-scale anatomical studies in shorter time frames. We will review here the key features of 3D-CT imaging of the lung, along with representative anatomical studies regarding (I) general lung anatomy, (II) anatomy of the right and left lobes, and (III) features of interlobar vessels. The current surge of 3D imaging analysis shows that the field is growing, with the technology continuing to improve. Future studies using these new and innovative methodologies will continue to refine our understanding of lung anatomy while enhancing our ability to perform safe and effective surgical resections.

Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of lobectomy combined with segmentectomy: a cohort study.

Background: Segmentectomy is a standard procedure, and there is considerable data on routine segmentectomies. However, there are only few reports on lobectomy performed in combination with segmentectomy (lobectomy + segmentectomy). Thus, we aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of lobectomy + segmentectomy. Methods: We reviewed patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy between January 2010 and July 2021 at Gunma University Hospital, Japan. We comparatively analyzed clinicopathological data of patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy and those who underwent lobectomy in combination with wedge resection (lobectomy + wedge resection). Results: We collected data from 22 patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy and 72 who underwent lobectomy + wedge resection. Lobectomy + segmentectomy was mainly performed to treat lung cancer, and the median number of resected segments was 4.5 and the median number of lesions was 2. Lobectomy + segmentectomy was associated with a higher rate of thoracotomy and a longer operation time. Incidence of overall complications, including pulmonary fistula and pneumonia was higher in the lobectomy + segmentectomy group. However, there were no significant differences in the length of drainage, major complications, and mortality. For lobectomy + segmentectomy, the only left-sided procedure was a left lower lobectomy + lingulectomy, whereas procedures were diverse on the right side, mostly combining a right upper or middle lobectomy with atypical segmentectomies. Conclusions: Lobectomy + segmentectomy was performed for (I) multiple lung lesions, (II) lesions invading an adjacent lobe, or (III) lesions with a metastatic lymph node invading the bronchial bifurcation. Although lobectomy + segmentectomy is a lung-preserving procedure that can benefit patients with multiple or advanced diseases involving two lobes, this procedure should still be performed following a careful patient selection process.

Factors related to masticatory performance in patients with removable dentures for jaw defects following oral tumor surgery.

Purpose In the treatment of oral tumors, extensive jaw defects due to surgical resection can reduce masticatory performance. Herein, we aimed to clarify the factors related to masticatory performance in patients with jaw defects.Methods In total, 76 patients (42 male and 34 female) underwent prosthetic treatment with a removable denture for a jaw defect following oral tumor surgery. Data on history of radiation therapy, period of time since surgery, period of use of the present denture, number of remaining teeth, and site of the jaw defect were collected. Masticatory performance was evaluated using test gummy jelly. In addition, maximum bite force, tongue pressure, tongue-lip motor function (oral diadochokinesis /pa/, /ta/, /ka/), and oral dryness were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed with lower masticatory performance scores as the dependent variable. Since multicollinearity was suspected between the oral diadochokinesis /ta/ and /ka/ syllables, two logistic regression analyses were conducted: Model 1 with the /ta/ syllable as an explanatory variable, and Model 2 with the /ka/ syllable as an explanatory variable.Results In Model 1, a history of radiation therapy, maximum bite force, number of remaining teeth, tongue pressure, and oral diadochokinesis /ta/ were significant explanatory variables. In Model 2, a history of radiation therapy, maximum bite force, number of remaining teeth, and tongue pressure were significant explanatory variables.Conclusions A history of radiation therapy, maximum bite force, tongue pressure, number of remaining teeth, and motor function of the proglossis are related to decreased masticatory performance in patients with jaw defects.

Relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and periodontal disease in a Japanese urban population with and without hypertension: The Suita Study.

AIM: To investigate the association between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis and to examine whether the association is modified by hypertension status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1472 Japanese individuals aged 50-79 years who underwent a medical check-up, dental examination, and carotid ultrasonography were studied. Carotid atherosclerosis was expressed as the maximum and mean carotid intima-media thickness (max-IMT, mean-IMT) and the presence of stenosis (≥75%). Periodontal status was examined by the Community Periodontal Index (CPI, codes 0-4). The participants were divided into three groups according to the periodontal status (CPI0-2, CPI3, CPI4). RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between mean-IMT and periodontal disease after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors in the entire cohort (mean-IMT in hypertensives: CPI0-2: 0.848 mm, CPI3: 0.857 mm, CPI4: 0.877 mm; normotensives: 0.782, 0.802, 0.826). In the entire cohort, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of stenosis based on mean-IMT significantly increased according to periodontal status in normotensives (odds ratio; CPI0-2: 1, CPI3: 1.39, CPI4: 2.53; p-value for trend = .004) but showed only marginal significant increase in hypertensives (1, 1.15, 1.55; p-value for trend = .063). No significant relationships were observed for max-IMT in all analyses. CONCLUSION: We observed an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis in normotensive and hypertensive participants.

Efficacy of chemotherapy for comorbid cancer in patients with simultaneous double cancers: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Anticancer drugs for double cancers are selected based on their therapeutic effects on the target cancer, but there are insufficient data on the effects of anticancer drugs on comorbid cancer. We investigated the effect of chemotherapy on comorbid cancer in patients with simultaneous double cancers. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 51 patients with simultaneous double cancers at the time of receiving systemic chemotherapy. We evaluated the types of anticancer drugs used for double cancers, the therapeutic effects on targeted and comorbid cancers, and prognoses. RESULTS: Disease control was achieved for 90.9% of the target cancers and 90.7% of the comorbid cancers. The prognosis was significantly better when the disease was controlled, not only in the target cancer but also in the comorbid cancer. CONCLUSION: Physicians treating double cancers should develop treatment strategies focusing not only on the treatment for advanced cancer, but also on the course of comorbidities and the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. This study is important because it presents new possibilities to expand the indications for anticancer drugs, while allowing unnecessary clinical research to be avoided.

Effective oral function improvement by restoration-driven implant treatment after mandibular resection with a scapular flap: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The extensive loss of teeth and surrounding tissues due to mandibulectomy for an oral tumor not only impacts negatively on appearance, but also often causes various functional disorders, decreasing quality of life (QOL). In the present case, reconstruction with a scapular flap was carried out along with segmental mandibulectomy, aiming for functional restoration through restoration-driven implant treatment. A good outcome was obtained, with improvement of masticatory function and QOL following the prosthetic treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with ossifying fibroma in the left side of the mandible. Segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a scapular flap were carried out. Implant diagnostic simulation was performed, and based on the result, secondary reconstruction using a particulate cancellous bone and marrow graft was carried out by an oral surgeon. After wound healing was complete, implant placement was performed twice, and the final prosthodontic treatment was completed. Masticatory performance and maximum bite force, which are indices of masticatory function, were improved from before to after prosthetic treatment. In addition, oral health-related QOL was improved from before to after prosthetic treatment. CONCLUSION: In the present case, restoration-driven implant treatment was performed in a patient following segmental mandibulectomy for a mandibular tumor, with a good outcome. Planning the treatment measures with a focus on the final prosthetic vision can lead to improvement of oral function in patients with extensive mandibular defects.

Chronological Changes in the Expression Pattern of Hippocampal Prion Proteins During Disease Progression in Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease MM1 Subtype.

The differential effects of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) on the hippocampus and other neocortical areas are poorly understood. We aimed to reveal the histological patterns of cellular prion protein (PrPC) and abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) in hippocampi of sCJD patients and normal controls (NCs). Our study examined 18 postmortem sCJD patients (MM1, 14 cases; MM1 + 2c, 3 cases; MM1 + 2t, 1 case) and 12 NCs. Immunohistochemistry was conducted using 4 primary antibodies, of which 3 targeted the N-terminus of the prion protein (PrP), and 1 (EP1802Y) targeted the C-terminal domain. PrPC expression was abundant in the hippocampus of NCs, and the distribution of PrPC at CA3/4 was reminiscent of synaptic complexes. In sCJD cases with a disease history of <2 years, antibodies against the N-terminus could not detect synapse-like PrP expression at CA4; however, EP1802Y could characterize the synapse-like expression. PrPSc accumulation and spongiform changes became evident after 2 years of illness, when PrPSc deposits were more noticeably detected by N-terminal-specific antibodies. Our findings highlighted the chronology of histopathological alterations in the CA4 region in sCJD patients.

RAB11A Expression Is Associated With Cancer Aggressiveness Through Regulation of FGFR-Signaling in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-signaling in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is associated with cancer aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Small GTPase RAB11A regulates the recycling of membrane proteins such as FGFR. This study evaluated the potential of RAB11A as a new therapeutic target for LSCC through its regulation of FGFR-signaling. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis of 84 LSCC samples was performed to determine the correlation between RAB11A expression, clinicopathologic features, and prognosis. Alterations in FGFR-signaling were assessed in RAB11A-suppressed and RAB11A-overexpressed LSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The study identified RAB11A as a strong predictor of poor prognosis in the LSCC cohort. Cell proliferation and invasion were promoted and inhibited respectively in RAB11A-overexpressed and RAB11A -suppressed LSCC cells. In RAB11A-overexpressed and RAB11A-suppressed LSCC cells, FGFR-signaling was respectively up- and downregulated. The viability of the cells treated with nintedanib and lenvatinib was greater in RAB11A-overexpressing cells than in control cells. The in vivo tumor growth and micro-vessel density of RAB11A-overexpressing tumors were significantly higher than in the control cells. CONCLUSION: As a potentially valuable prognostic marker, RAB11A is a promising therapeutic target for LSCC. Evaluation of RAB11A may be useful for identification of LSCC in patients whose cancer is refractory to FGFR inhibitors.

Tooth Loss Related with Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a General Urban Japanese Population: The Suita Study.

We examined whether the number of teeth could be a surrogate marker for metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk in cross-section. A total of 3771 individuals from the general urban Japanese population (1690 men, 2081 women; mean age 67.1 ± 11.0 years) participated in this study. Participants were diagnosed with MetS with three or more components hypertension, hyperglycemia, lipid metabolism abnormality, and abnormal abdominal girth. Questionnaires were administered to determine the number of teeth, smoking status, drinking status, and past illnesses. To clarify the relationships between the number of teeth and the presence of MetS components, we divided subjects into two groups: those with less than 20 residual teeth and those with 20 or more, then statistical analyses (Mantel-Haenszel tests and logistic regression analysis) were performed. MetS were higher for those with ≤19 teeth than those with ≥20 teeth when examining all participants and women-only groups. Hyperglycemia, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and diagnosis with MetS were all significantly higher in the ≤19 teeth group for both sexes combined and for women. These results suggest that less than 20 teeth may be a surrogate marker for MetS risk, but further studies on gender differences and pathological background are needed.

Corrigendum: Lower Masticatory Performance Is a Risk for the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome: The Suita Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.752667.].

Taste disorder in a patient with invasive thymoma without myasthenia gravis: a rare case report.

Taste disorder has been reported as a non-motor symptom caused by myasthenia gravis (MG)-related autoimmune mechanism. Taste disorder in some cases recovered along with MG treatment, such as thymothymectomy or immunosuppressive treatment. However, symptom of taste disorder in thymoma patients without MG is very rare. Here, we reported a case of invasive thymoma without MG which had concurrent taste disorder. The taste disorder was successfully treated with cyclosporine. A female in her seventies had an anterior mediastinal tumor of 78-mm in diameter and pleural dissemination. She also had taste disorder, limited to sweet taste, and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Symptoms and physical findings showed no feature of MG. Pre-operative blood examination revealed no elevation of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody . Extended total thymothymectomy and resection of all detectable pleural disseminations was performed. Pathological examination showed type B3 thymoma. Clinical stage was Masaoka stage IVa. After operation, there was no improvement in taste disorder and PRCA. Six months after operation, cyclosporine was administered for PRCA. In parallel with gradual improvement of anemia, taste disorder also gradually improved. Three months after the first administration of cyclosporine, taste disorder had completely recovered. This is the first case of taste disorder without any myasthenic status, which recovered with immunosuppressive drug. Our case suggested the potency of immunosuppressive treatment for taste disorder associate with thymoma without MG.

Surgical outcomes after multiple segmentectomy: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Segmentectomy is now a common treatment option for both lung cancer and metastatic lung tumors with increasing data and evidence. However, data on multiple segmentectomy of different lobes are scarce. Our objective was to clarify the clinicopathological features of multiple segmentectomy. METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent segmentectomy between January 2010 and December 2019 at Gunma University Hospital. Multiple segmentectomy was defined as segmentectomy of different lobes during the same operation, in contrast to single segmentectomy, which was defined as segmentectomy of a single lobe. Clinicopathologic, operative, and postoperative results were compared between multiple segmentectomy and single segmentectomy. RESULTS: There were 324 patients who underwent single segmentectomy and 11 patients (12 cases) who underwent multiple segmentectomy. Multiple segmentectomy was mostly performed for treatment of metastatic lesions rather than lung cancer. The median number of resected segments was 1 (range, 1-5) in the single segmentectomy group and 3 (range, 2-4) in the multiple segmentectomy group. The median number of resected lung lesions was 3.5 in the multiple segmentectomy group. Multiple segmentectomy was associated with longer operative time, more bleeding, and longer drainage period and postoperative stay than the single segmentectomy group. There were no significant differences in severe complications as well as 30- and 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple segmentectomy is a lung-preserving procedure that can be considered for patients with multiple lung lesions and has feasible postoperative outcomes.

Lower Masticatory Performance Is a Risk for the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome: The Suita Study.

Objectives: Declined masticatory function has recently been receiving attention as a risk factor for poor general health. The present longitudinal analysis was conducted to clarify the relationship between decreased masticatory performance and the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a general urban cohort in Japan. Methods: We surveyed 599 participants (254 men, 345 women; mean age at baseline, 65.8 ± 7.8 years) who underwent physical health checkups in the Suita study. We evaluated masticatory performance at baseline using test gummy jelly and divided participants into two groups: a "Lower group," comprising participants in the lower 25% of the masticatory performance at baseline; and a "Normal group," comprising all others. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for the Lower group by using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to develop the MetS and the components of the MetS at follow-up, adjusting for age, smoking status, and periodontal status. Results: On Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for the development of the MetS in the Lower group was 2.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-4.50) in men. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for the development of high blood pressure was 3.12 (1.42-6.87), for high triglycerides was 2.82 (1.18-6.76), and for high fasting plasma glucose was 2.65 (1.00-7.00) in men. Conclusions: Lower masticatory performance suggested to be a risk factor for the development of the MetS as well as MetS components such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and high fasting plasma glucose in Japanese men.

Binasal hemianopia caused by bilateral optic perineuritis due to sarcoidosis.

•We describe the first case of binasal hemianopia due to bilateral optic perineuritis.•Bilateral optic perineuritis should be considered as a causative disease of binasal hemianopia.•Early diagnosis of optic perineuritis is crucial to avoid irreversible visual impairment.

Comprehensive expressional analysis of chemosensitivity-related markers in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung.

OBJECTIVES: Various drug-sensitivity markers have been reported to be associated with tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. Detailed expression profiles of sensitivity markers for cytotoxic chemotherapy in pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to clarify the correlation between the expression of drug-sensitivity markers and clinicopathological features, prognostic impact, and status of tumor immunity in patients with LCNEC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the correlation between clinicopathological features and the expression of drug-sensitivity-related markers, including vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2), thymidylate synthase (TS), tubulin beta 3 class III (TUBB3), topoisomerase I (Topo-I), and Topo-II in 92 surgically resected LCNEC samples. Furthermore, we examined the prognostic significance of expression of these and their correlation with the immune cell status. RESULTS: Overall, high expression of TS, TUBB3, VEGFR2, Topo-I, and Topo-II was detected in 50 (54%), 31 (34%), 23 (25%), 65 (71%), and 36 (39%) samples, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that advanced pathological T and N factors, positive lymphatic permeation, and Topo-II expression were independent unfavorable prognosticators for recurrence-free survival, and advanced pathological T and N factors, Topo-II positive expression, and TS positive expression were independent unfavorable prognosticators for overall survival. In terms of correlation with immune cell status, higher expression of VEGFR2 was closely linked to negative PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that elevated Topo-II and TS expression may contribute to poor outcomes through protumoral biology in patients with LCNEC, and elevated VEGFR2 expression might negatively impact tumor immune reactions in LCNEC.

Deterioration of periodontal status affects declines in masticatory performance: The Suita study.

AIM: We aimed to clarify the association between deterioration of periodontal status and masticatory performance in a longitudinal follow-up study of a general urban population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated 663 participants in the Suita study with no changes in the number of functional teeth or occlusal support areas during a 5-year follow-up period. Participants were classified into three groups according to changes in periodontal status during the survey period: a recovered group; a stable group; and a deteriorated group. Rate of masticatory performance change was calculated by subtracting the value at baseline from the value at follow-up and dividing the resulting value by the baseline value. RESULTS: Median rates of masticatory performance change were -11.7% in the recovered group, -19.2% in the stable group, and -30.8% in the deteriorated group, and these values were significantly different (p < .001). Multiple regression analysis revealed periodontal status group (recovered group: reference; stable group: p = .029; deteriorated group: p = .006) as an independent variable was significantly associated with the rate of masticatory performance change. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that deterioration of periodontal status increases the risk of age-related declines in masticatory performance.

A lower maximum bite force is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease: the Suita study.

Decreases in masticatory function are believed to be related to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through inappropriate nutritional intake. This study focused on maximum bite force (MBF), which is an objective, quantitative index of masticatory function, and its association with the development of CVD (stroke and coronary heart disease) was investigated. The subjects were 1547 participants of the Suita study with no history of CVD who underwent medical and dental health examinations between June 2008 and June 2013. In addition to undergoing a basic physical examination at baseline, their MBF was measured. They subsequently underwent follow-up surveys for the development of CVD (mean follow-up, 3.5 years). The association between baseline MBF and the development of CVD was investigated by multivariate adjustment using a Cox proportional hazards model. CVD developed in 32 subjects during follow-up. The trend test showed a significant association between baseline MBF and CVD in a model that combined men and women. When analysed by sex, the trend test found a significant association between baseline MBF and CVD in women. Low MBF, which is an objective and quantitative index of masticatory function, may be a risk factor for the development of CVD.