Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Salivary Periostin Levels in Non-Smoker Subjects With Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis

Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein functioning as an important structural mediator and adhesion molecule, has been shown to be an important regulator of connective tissue integrity. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of periostin in chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) compared to non-periodontitis (NP). Individuals were submitted to gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva sampling. Periodontal examination consisted of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements. Assays for periostin were performed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Periodontitis patients presented more severe clinical indices compared to the NP group (p?<?0.001). The mean GCF level of periostin was lowest in the AgP group as compared to the other groups and was lower in the CP group as compared to the NP group (p?<?0.001). Increased levels of periostin were observed in the saliva of patients with AgP as compared to the CP and NP groups (p?<?0.05). There was a negative relationship between GCF periostin levels and clinical parameters (p?<?0.01), whereas a positive correlation was observed between salivary periostin levels and full-mouth GI and CAL scores (p?<?0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating periostin levels in GCF and saliva in aggressive periodontitis. The results suggest that subjects with CP and AgP exhibit a different periostin profile. Periostin in GCF may have a protective role against periodontal disease. Furthermore, salivary periostin concentrations may have a promising diagnostic potential for the aggressive forms of periodontal disease.     

Correlation of human S100A12 (EN-RAGE) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as gingival crevicular fluid and serum markers of inflammation in chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels and correlation of human S100A12 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in chronic periodontitis (CP) subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and methods

A total of 44 subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 had 10 periodontally healthy subjects, group 2 consisted of 17 CP subjects and group 3 had 17 type 2 DM subjects with CP. GCF and serum levels of human S100A12 and hs-CRP were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoturbidimetric analysis, respectively. The clinical outcomes evaluated were gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment level and the correlations of the two inflammatory mediators with clinical parameters were evaluated.

Results

Both human S100A12 and hs-CRP levels increased from group 1 to group 2 to group 3. The GCF and serum values of both these inflammatory mediators correlated positively with each other and with the periodontal parameters evaluated (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Human S100A12 and hs-CRP can be considered as possible GCF and serum markers of inflammatory activity in CP and DM.     

Interleukin 4 haplotypes of susceptibility to chronic periodontitis are associated with IL-4 protein levels but not with clinical outcomes of periodontal therapy

Different IL4 haplotypes were associated to susceptibility to/or protection against chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of this study was to investigate if individuals carrying different haplotypes would present differences in clinical periodontal parameters and in the IL-4 levels at baseline, 45 and 90 days after non-surgical periodontal therapy. 62 patients were subdivided: genetically protected without CP (PH), genetically protected with CP (PCP), genetically susceptible with CP (SCP), genetically susceptible without CP (healthy) (SH). Clinical examination and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collection were performed for all patients, and IL-4 levels were measured by ELISA. At baseline, higher values for plaque index (PI, p = 0.013), gingival index (GI, p = 0.005) were observed for the SCP group in comparison to the PCP group but not after the completion of periodontal therapy. 45 and 90 days after the non-surgical therapy, PCP demonstrated significantly higher IL-4 levels than the SCP (p = 0.000002). Correlation analysis showed different results between clinical parameters and IL-4 production or GCF volume for groups with different genetic loads. The IL4 gene which was previously associated with susceptibility to CP was related with differences in the IL-4 protein levels in the GCF. However, independent of genetic carriage, individuals responded similarly to this therapy.     

The relationship between periodontal status and alkaline phosphatase levels in gingival crevicular fluid in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism

PURPOSE: The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the possible relationship between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal disease in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients were divided into four groups. 9 with HH and periodontitis (P/HH), 11 with HH and gingivitis (G/HH), 12 with systemically healthy and periodontally healthy (H/C) and 9 with systemically healthy and periodontitis (P/C). The clinical evaluation of patients was based on the following parameters; the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depths (PD) and attachment level (AL). The levels of ALP in the GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: No significant difference could be detected in the mean clinical parameter data between the P/HH and P/C groups (p > 0.05). The periodontitis patients in both groups (P/C and P/HH) had higher mean probing depths than the H/C and G/HH patients (p < 0.001). The concentrations and total amounts of ALP in the GCF were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups compared to healthy and gingivitis groups (p < 0.01). The serum ALP levels were significantly higher in the P/HH group when compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that HH could be implicated as a contributing factor to the progress of periodontal disease.     

The effect of adjunctive chlorhexidine mouthrinse on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid cytokine levels in untreated plaque-associated gingivitis

Objective and design:  To examine the effectiveness of chlorhexidine mouthrinse (CHX) in addition to daily plaque control on gingival inflammation. Methods:  Fifty gingivitis patients were randomized to CHX or placebo groups. In addition to proper plaque control, CHX group rinsed with CHX, while placebo group rinsed with placebo mouthrinse for 4 weeks. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected and clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), calculus index and probing depth (PD) were recorded at baseline and repeated at 4 week. GCF IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, and IL-8 levels were determined by ELISA. Results:  Whole mouth clinical parameters were significantly improved in both groups at 4 weeks. CHX group showed greater reduction in the mean PI scores than placebo at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). GCF IL-8 levels of anterior sites significantly reduced in CHX and placebo group at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). GCF IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Ra levels remained unchanged at 4 weeks in both groups. GCF cytokine levels of CHX group were similar to those of placebo at 4 weeks. Conclusions:  Within the limitations of this study, CHX mouthrinse as adjuncts to daily plaque control could be useful in management of plaque-associated gingivitis, although ineffective on GCF cytokine levels. Received 13 June 2008; returned for revision 9 July 2008; received from final revision 19 July 2008; accepted by C. Kasserra 19 August 2008     

The effect of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin on bone morphogenetic protein-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in patients with chronic periodontitis: a randomized split mouth clinical trail

The present study evaluates the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) combined with open flap debridement (OFD) on clinical parameters and growth factors levels (GFL) in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02594605. 16 patients (32 sites) with chronic periodontitis who had at least two areas of horizontal bone loss, were treated with OFD alone or L-PRF with OFD (OFD?+?L-PRF). GFL in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were analyzed at baseline, 1?week, 2?weeks and 4?weeks after operation. Probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 6?months postoperatively. PD reduction and CAL gain were significantly higher in the OFD?+?L-PRF sites than in OFD sites. OFD?+?L-PRF group showed significantly increased bone morphogenetic protein-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 at 2?weeks compared with baseline. L-PRF combined with OFD significantly increases GFL and thus, it enhances the periodontal healing on CP patients.     

Effect of non surgical periodontal therapy on gingival crevicular fluid and serum visfatin concentration in periodontal health and disease

Visfatin is a pleiotropic mediator which acts as growth factor, cytokine, enzyme involved in energy including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and has been recently demonstrated to exert several pro-inflammatory functions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Visfatin concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in patients with chronic periodontitis, and to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on the GCF and serum visfatin concentration. 30 subjects (age range: 25 to 52 years) were selected and divided into two groups based on the gingival index, probing depth, periodontal attachment level, and radiologic parameters (bone loss): group 1 (15 subjects with healthy periodontium), group 2 (15 subjects with chronic periodontitis), while, Group 2 patients after 8 weeks of the treatment (scaling and root planning, SRP) constituted group 3. GCF samples (by microcapillary pipettes) and serum samples (by venipuncture) were collected to estimate the levels of Visfatin using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. The mean Visfatin concentration in GCF and serum was observed to be the highest in group 2 and lowest in group 1. While concentration in group 3 was similar to group 1. The concentration of Visfatin in GCF and serum decreased after SRP. The Visfatin concentration in GCF and serum found to be highest in chronic periodontitis group and decreases after treatment. Hence Visfatin values can be considered as an "inflammatory marker" can be explored in future as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of periodontal disease.     

Gingival crevicular fluid calprotectin, osteocalcin and cross-linked N-terminal telopeptid levels in health and different periodontal diseases

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) calprotectin, osteocalcin and cross-linked N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) levels in health along with different periodontal diseases. Material and methods: Twenty chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP), 20 gingivitis and 20 healthy subjects were included. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index and papillary bleeding index was recorded. GCF calprotectin, osteocalcin and NTx levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: CP, G-AgP and gingivitis groups had higher GCF calprotectin total amount compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.008). CP and G-AgP groups had similar, but higher levels compared to gingivitis groups (p < 0.008). CP and G-AgP groups had lower GCF osteocalcin total amount compared to gingivitis and healthy groups (p < 0.008). CP group had higher GCF NTx but lower osteocalcin total amount and osteocalcin/NTx ratio than the G-AgP group (p < 0.008) Conclusions: Our results suggest that elevated GCF calprotectin levels play a role as a reliable inflammatory marker in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Fluctuating GCF levels of osteocalcin and NTx might point out to the abnormal bone turnover in periodontitis. Our data document for the first time the role of NTx in the pathogenesis of different periodontal diseases.     

Periodontal Disease in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatological diseases and periodontal disease are both characterized by dysregulation of the host inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between periodontitis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Fifty-one adults with PsA (27 men and 24 women; mean age 41.73?±?11.27 years) and 50 age- and gender-balanced systemically healthy control subjects participated in the study. Participants' periodontal status as determined by probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index, and gingival index was evaluated. The CAL levels of the PsA group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p?<?0.05) There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of periodontitis, probing pocket depth, plaque index, or gingival index between the two groups. The results of the present study show that periodontitis severity as determined by CAL was higher in the PsA group; therefore, periodontal evaluation must be considered when PsA is diagnosed.     

牙周基础治疗对慢性牙周炎患者非刺激性全唾液、龈沟液及血清中基质金属蛋白酶-9水平的影响

目的 评估慢性牙周炎患者经牙周基础治疗前后的非刺激性全唾液、龈沟液及血清中基质金属蛋白酶-9 （MMp-9）水平,探讨其作为牙周炎诊断及预后标志物的可能性.方法 酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测20名牙周炎患者治疗前、后及20名健康人非刺激性全唾液、龈沟液及血清中MMP-9的水平,并记录牙周袋探诊深度（PD）、临床附着丧失（CAL）和出血指数（BI）.结果 ①除CAL外,经牙周基础治疗6周后慢性牙周炎患者的临床指标明显改善[CAL治疗前（5.50±1.97） mm,治疗后（5.50±1.97） mm,P=1.000;PD治疗前（7.05±1.81） mm,治疗后（4.23±1.06） mm,P=0.000;BI治疗前3.75±0.44,治疗后0.20±0.41,P=0.000）;②治疗后非刺激性全唾液、龈沟液及血清中MMP-9水平明显降低,与治疗前相比差异具有统计学意义[非刺激性全唾液MMP-9水平治疗前（22.89±5.28）ng/mL,治疗后（18.11±7.19） ng/mL,P=0.003;龈沟液MMP-9水平治疗前（41.80±2.90） ng/mL,治疗后（35.71±4.49） ng/mL,P=0.000;血清MMP-9水平治疗前（6.67±5.318） ng/mL,治疗后（2.47±2.713） ng/mL,P=0.004];③除血清外,牙周炎患者治疗前后的非刺激性全唾液和龈沟液中MMP-9水平仍高于健康对照组,其差异有统计学意义[非刺激性全唾液水平为（6.78±3.02）ng/mL,龈沟液为（30.20±3.64） ng/mL,与治疗前后比较P=0.000;健康对照组血清MMP-9水平（1.18±0.88） ng/mL,与治疗前、后比较P =0.004、P=0.055].结论 非刺激性全唾液中MMP-9的表达水平可能成为慢性牙周炎的检测指标之一,可能为临床诊治提供参考依据.     

Local IL‐10 level as a predictive factor in generalized aggressive periodontitis treatment response

Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) presents a reduced response to non‐surgical therapy. However, it is not clear if the initial clinical, microbiological or immunological characteristics are impacting the worse response to treatment. This study aimed to identify the predictive value of clinical, microbiological and immunological patterns on the clinical response to therapy in GAgP patients. Twenty‐four GAgP patients were selected, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and subgingival biofilm were collected. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia levels were evaluated by qPCR, and IL‐1β and IL‐10 concentration by ELISA. Twelve patients were treated with SRP (scaling and root planning), and twelve with SRP plus 375 mg amoxicillin and 250 mg metronidazole (8/8 hours, 7 days) (SRP + AM). The clinical changes (Probing Pocket Depth [PPD] reduction and Clinical Attachment Level [CAL] gain) 6 months post‐treatment were correlated to the initial clinical, inflammatory and microbiological variables using stepwise logistic regression (α = 5%). CAL gain at 6 months was 1.16 ± 0.77 for SRP and 1.74 ± 0.57 mm for SRP + AM (P > .05). PPD reduction was 1.96 ± 0.82 for SRP and 2.45 ± 0.77 mm for SRP + AM (P < .05). In the SRP group, IL‐10 showed a predictive value for clinical response. The higher the IL‐10 concentration at baseline, the higher the reduction in PPD at 6 months (P = .01, r = .68). However, when antimicrobials were administered, no significant influence was detected (P > .05). It can be concluded that the IL‐10 levels in GFC act as a predictor of clinical response to GAgP. Moreover, the intake of antimicrobials appears to overlap the influence of the inflammatory response on clinical response to treatment. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03933501.     

Application of chitosan gel in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

Local administration of antibiotics in periodontal therapy can be provided with an appropriate delivery system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of chitosan, both as a carrier in gel form and as an active agent in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The chitosan gel (1% w/w) incorporated with or without 15% metronidazole was prepared and applied adjunctive to scaling and root planing (SRP) in comparison to SRP alone (control group-C), in CP patients. The clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, the amount of gingival recession, plaque index, gingival index, and gingival bleeding time index were recorded at baseline and at weeks 6, 12, and 24. In all groups, significant improvements were observed in clinical parameters between baseline and week 24 (p < 0.05). The reductions in PD values were 1.21 mm for Ch, 1.48 mm for Ch + M, and 0.94 mm for C groups. No complications related to the chitosan were observed in patients throughout the study period. It is suggested that chitosan itself is effective as well as its combination with metronidazole in CP treatment due to its antimicrobial properties.     

Flow cytometric approach to human polymorphonuclear leukocyte activation induced by gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal disease

In gingival pockets of patients with periodontal disease, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are in contact with a peculiar exudate, the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Because of the pivotal role played by PMN in periodontal disease, we evaluated the ability of GCF in modulating normal human PMN. GCF was obtained from two gingival sites with severe periodontitis (SP) and two gingival sites with only mild periodontitis (MP) in 12 patients. Purified PMN were exposed to GCF from SP and MP sites and, as a control, to sterile culture medium. GCF activity was evaluated by monitoring the modulation of membrane molecules relevant to cell function. Compared to control medium, GCF from SP and MP sites was able to induce an activation status in PMN evidenced by an increased CD11b (62 ± 9% and 28 ± 7%, respectively) and f-Met-Leu-Phe (56 ± 5% and 31 ±7%, respectively) receptor expression, with a concomitant reduction of CD62L expression (56 ± 8% and 23 ± 7%, respectively). Thus, reflecting the clinical status, GCF from SP sites was significantly more efficient in affecting PMN than GCF from MP sites. Cell size modifications, evaluated as an additional indicator of PMN activation, were consistent with membrane molecule modulation. The difference in PMN-activating capacity between SP and MP was abrogated by the successful completion of an appropriate periodontal therapy that dramatically improved clinical status. This is the first direct demonstration that GCF from periodontitis has the capacity to activate normal resting PMN and that this capacity reflects the magnitude of the inflammatory process that takes place in the gingiva.     

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on crevicular fluid and serum glutathione peroxidase levels

Background: Plasma glutathione peroxidase (eGPx) is an important selenium containing antioxidant in human defense against oxidative stress. While crevicular fluid (GCF) eGPx levels and its association with periodontal disease is well documented, there is no data on correlation of GCF and serum eGPx levels in chronic periodontitis. Hence this study was undertaken to further probe into the role of oxidative stress in periodontal diseases and effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) by correlating GCF and serum levels of eGPx. Materials and methods: Thirty subjects (16-Males and 14-Females; age: 30–38 years) participated in the study. The subjects were divided, based on gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level into: Healthy (group-1, n=10), Gingivitis (group-2, n=10) and Periodontitis (group-3, n=10). Chronic periodontitis patients after NSPT constituted group 4. GCF and serum samples collected from each subject were quantified for eGPx levels using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay. Results: The mean eGPx concentrations increased from health (14.01 ng/μl and 78.26 ng/ml) to gingivitis (22.86 ng/μl and 90.44 ng/ml) and then to periodontitis (29.89 ng/μl and 103.43 ng/ml), in GCF and serum respectively. After NSPT, there was statistically significant reduction in eGPx concentration in GCF and serum (19.41 ng/μl and 85.21 ng/ml). Further, all the GCF eGPx values showed a positive correlation to that of serum eGPx level. Conclusion: Thus, increased eGPx concentration in GCF can be considered as an indicator of local increase in oxidative stress. While, increase in serum eGPx levels indicates that periodontal disease can also lead to increased oxidative stress at the systemic level.     

Crevicular Fluid and Serum Concentrations of Progranulin and High Sensitivity CRP in Chronic Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction. This study was designed to correlate the serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of progranulin (PGRN) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs CRP) in chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Design. PGRN and hs CRP levels were estimated in 3 groups: healthy, chronic periodontitis, and type 2 DM with chronic periodontitis. Results. The mean PGRN and hs CRP concentrations in serum and GCF were the highest for group 3 followed by group 2 and the least in group 1. Conclusion. PGRN and hs CRP may be biomarkers of the inflammatory response in type 2 DM and chronic periodontitis.     

Association of Progranulin and High Sensitivity CRP Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Serum in Chronic Periodontitis Subjects with and without Obesity

Background: Obesity is considered as a strong risk factor of inflammatory periodontal tissue destruction. The purpose of this study is to determine presence of progranulin (PGRN) and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs CRP) levels in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in obese subjects with chronic periodontitis and to find an association, if any. Material and methods: 40 subjects (20 males and 20 females) were selected based on their clinical parameters into four groups (10 subjects in each group): group 1 (healthy non obese), group 2 (healthy obese), group 3 (non obese with chronic periodontitis) and group 4 (obese with chronic periodontitis). Serum and GCF PGRN levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and hs CRP levels were estimated by immunoturbidimetry method. Results: The mean PGRN and hs CRP concentration both in serum and GCF were highest for group 4 followed by group 3, group 2 and least in Group 1. Conclusion: PGRN and hs CRP may be novel biomarkers of the chronic inflammatory response in obesity and chronic periodontitis.     

Total antioxidant status and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels in gingival and peripheral blood of periodontitis patients

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine 8-OHdG concentration as a biomarker of oxidant-induced DNA damage and to assess total antioxidant status (TAS) in gingival and peripheral blood during periodontal lesion. Materials and Methods: The study included 56 untreated periodontitis patients (26 with aggressive periodontitis, and 30 with chronic periodontitis (CP). The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers without pathological changes in the periodontium. Competitive ELISA was used to measure 8-OHdG. A colorimetric method based on the reduction of ABTS^o+ radical cation generation was used to measure TAS. Results: Significantly higher 8-OHdG concentrations were detected in the gingival blood in both groups of patients with periodontitis than in the control group. Subjects with CP had significantly decreased TAS levels in the gingival blood compared with the control group. A significantly decreased TAS level in the peripheral blood in both patient groups compared with the control group was found. Significant positive correlation between TAS levels in venous and gingival blood in all the periodontitis patients and in the CP group was observed. Conclusions: The oxidative burst in periodontitis may lead to significant local damage to nucleic acids. The significantly decreased TAS level in the gingival blood of CP patients compared with the healthy subjects suggests the possibility of a significant decrease in local antioxidant system capacity during the course of periodontitis. The decreased TAS level in the peripheral blood in the group of all patients with periodontitis may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the links between periodontal disease and several systemic diseases for which periodontitis is regarded as a independent risk factor.     

Interleukin-1beta level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with active periodontitis

Previous studies revealed that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) was detectable in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis, and the level was increased in level in gingival tissue extracts of active periodontal disease sites (defined as attachment loss > or = 2.5 mm over the preceding 2 months) compared to inactive sites or healthy sites. The present study evaluated the relationship of IL-1beta level in GCF and periodontal disease status. GCF was collected with Periopaper strips from 34 disease-active and 45 disease-inactive teeth in 11 untreated periodontitis patients and from 60 teeth in 15 healthy control subjects. Disease activity was defined as attachment loss of > or = 2.5 mm in at least one site of a tooth as determined by sequential probing. The absorbed GCF volume was determined using a Periotron 6000 and the crevicular IL-1beta level was determined using IL-1beta monoclonal antibody (Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Japan). IL-1beta was below the detection level of the assay (6 pg/ml) in the healthy control group but was detected in most teeth of the periodontitis group. However, disease-active teeth had higher IL-1beta level (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.05) than disease-inactive teeth (mean total IL-1beta of 5.89 +/- 7.88 pg/tooth and 1.72 +/- 2.28 pg/tooth; mean concentration of 1.6 +/- 2.5 ng/ml and 0.6 +/- 0.83 ng/ml, respectively). The level of IL-1beta showed no correlation with probing depth, but had significant correlation (p < 0.05) with the extent of attachment loss. This study suggests that the level of IL-1beta in GCF may have a predictive value for determining active and inactive periodontal status.     

Total antioxidant status and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in gingival and peripheral blood of periodontitis patients

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine 8-OHdG concentration as a biomarker of oxidant-induced DNA damage and to assess total antioxidant status (TAS) in gingival and peripheral blood during periodontal lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 56 untreated periodontitis patients (26 with aggressive periodontitis, and 30 with chronic periodontitis (CP). The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers without pathological changes in the periodontium. Competitive ELISA was used to measure 8-OHdG. A colorimetric method based on the reduction of ABTSo+ radical cation generation was used to measure TAS. RESULTS: Significantly higher 8-OHdG concentrations were detected in the gingival blood in both groups of patients with periodontitis than in the control group. Subjects with CP had significantly decreased TAS levels in the gingival blood compared with the control group. A significantly decreased TAS level in the peripheral blood in both patient groups compared with the control group was found. Significant positive correlation between TAS levels in venous and gingival blood in all the periodontitis patients and in the CP group was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The oxidative burst in periodontitis may lead to significant local damage to nucleic acids. The significantly decreased TAS level in the gingival blood of CP patients compared with the healthy subjects suggests the possibility of a significant decrease in local antioxidant system capacity during the course of periodontitis. The decreased TAS level in the peripheral blood in the group of all patients with periodontitis may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the links between periodontal disease and several systemic diseases for which periodontitis is regarded as a independent risk factor.     

Prevalence of some herpesviruses in gingival crevicular fluid.

BACKGROUND: The herpesviruses, ancient pathogens which have co-evoluted with human, are etiologically associated with a number of diseases, from asymptomatic to oncogenic and mortal diseases. It seems that some of them have also an important role in the pathogenesis of human periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and, eventually, to find the correlation between specific virus types and clinical parameters which are important in periodontitis, like plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD). STUDY DESIGN: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digestion of PCR products with restriction endonuclease were employed to identify the presence of EBV, HHV-6, HHV-8 and HCMV. RESULTS: Out of 66 samples of GCF taken from the patients with periodontal disease, EBV was found in 29 (43.9%), HHV-6 in 16 (24.2%) and HCMV in 2 (3%) samples, while in the samples of healthy persons, these viruses were not found. HHV-8 was detected neither in the patients with periodontitis nor in healthy control group. More positive results were found in clinical samples taken from people with higher PI and GI and in the samples taken from the patients with medium PD (PD=3-6mm). In all HHV-6 positive samples, we found only variant A; as for EBV positive samples, type A and type B were identified and also co-infection with the two types. It seems that there is a correlation between PI, PD and EBV types, but no correlation was found between EBV types and GI or HHV-6 types and PI, PD, GI. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings confirm some association between herpesviruses and human periodontitis.