Evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid and peri‐implant sulcus fluid levels of periostin: A preliminary report

1 Background

Periostin is a protein present in alveolar bone and periodontal ligament whose function is related to response to external forces. The aims of this study are to detect levels of periostin in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to evaluate the relationship between periostin, pyridinoline cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of Type I collagen (ICTP), and C‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide of Type I collagen (CTX) levels and clinical inflammatory symptoms and duration of functional loading.

2 Methods

The study population comprised nine women and four men with mean age 43.23 ± 12.48. Twenty “bone‐level designed” dental implants (DIs) placed in molar or premolar sites, without any signs of peri‐implant bone loss and with a restoration in function for at least 12 months, were included in the study with 20 contralateral natural teeth (NT) as controls. Clinical parameters and restoration dates of the implants were recorded. PISF, GCF, ICTP, CTX, and periostin levels were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

3 Results

ICTP, CTX, and periostin levels were similar between DI and NT groups. There were no statistically significant differences between PISF and GCF values. When implants were grouped as healthy (gingival index GI] = 0) and inflamed (GI ≥0), ICTP levels and PISF volume were lower in healthy implants compared with the inflamed group. Both periostin and CTX levels were negatively correlated with functioning time, suggesting less bone remodeling around DIs at later stages of functioning.

4 Conclusion

Findings of this study suggest collagen breakdown products may be used as markers to evaluate peri‐implant metabolism.