Analysis of aspartate aminotransferase in gingival crevicular fluid assessed by using PocketWatch: a longitudinal study with initial therapy

AIM: The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) by using PocketWatch before and after initial therapy in patients with chronic adult periodontitis and to determine the relationship between AST and conventional measures of periodontal status, such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and gingival index. METHOD: A total of 11 patients with chronic adult periodontitis were enrolled. Their periodontal status and AST levels in GCF were measured at baseline and post-initial therapy (the number of pockets=67), and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in AST levels between diseased periodontal sites (1.2+/-0.7) and healthy sites (0.3+/-0.6, p<0.05), and between baseline and post-initial therapy (p<0.05). Improvements in clinical status were noted following periodontal therapy and there was a corresponding decrease in AST levels. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it is suggested that AST levels may be a useful adjunct in the clinical assessment of periodontal disease sites, since AST level decreases when periodontal status improves.