Gingival crevicular fluid alkaline phosphatase as a potential diagnostic marker of periodontal disease

Blood count, endocrine, immunologic, renal, and hepatic markers in a case-control animal study of induced periodontitis in female rodents

Introduction: Periodontitis is a non-communicable chronic inflammatory disease with a systemic burden. Animal models of induced periodontitis help elucidate the mechanisms by which periodontal inflammation drives systemic effects. Studying this systemic involvement over longer follow-up periods may provide a strong foundation for future research on the association between diseases and periodontitis, particularly in female rats. Therefore, we aimed to compare blood, endocrine, immunologic, renal, and hepatic markers in a rat model of induced periodontitis in females with their control counterparts. Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced in 20 female Wistar rats by the application and maintenance of silk ligatures on the upper molars. The rats were then assessed for macroscopical analysis, complete blood count, and biochemical, endocrine, and immunologic markers at 21, 28, 42, and 56 days. Results: Chronic periodontal inflammation was observed after 42 days of exposure to the ligatures. Additionally, it was also possible to notice significant systemic manifestations, such as the reduction of triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels, along with an increase in the expression of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Discussion: The study's findings imply that certain changes can be underscored to highlight a reduced risk of conception. Notably, previous investigations have indicated that subfertile women exhibit lower levels of thyroid hormones and elevated lactate dehydrogenase expression. Despite the absence of preclinical data delineating a possible association between periodontitis and female infertility, the results of this study may prove to be a crucial contribution to both the scientific and medical fields.

IL-39 and IL-35 gingival crevicular fluid levels in diabetic patients with generalized periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

This research was performed to investigate if there is a role for IL-39 in immunopathogenesis of both systemically healthy and diabetic periodontitis patients. Additionally, to explore if we can consider IL-39 and IL-35 as biomarkers for periodontitis activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 38 periodontitis patients and 19 control volunteers were included in our study. The periodontitis patients were divided equally into (Group I), 19 patients with stage III grade C periodontitis with diabetes mellitus and (Group II), 19 patients with stage III grade B periodontitis and systemically healthy. Gingival crevicular fluid levels of each interleukin were measured pre- and postoperatively for all periodontitis patients as well as control subjects using ELISA.

RESULTS

Our study results showed that the highest level for IL-39 was in diabetic periodontitis patients that decreased significantly postoperatively. However, the highest level for IL-35 was revealed in control group while the lowest value was registered in diabetic periodontitis patients and statistically increased after periodontal treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of our research, both investigated biomarkers may have a potent role in pathogenesis of periodontitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We could consider both interleukins as accurate diagnostic markers for periodontitis patients, regardless of diabetes mellitus association, as well as promising markers that can aid in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis patients worldwide.

Evaluation of Salivary Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Passive Smokers of Different Age Groups

Background The smoke inhaled by a nonsmoker from the smoldering end of a cigarette is referred to as passive smoke. The nicotine present in smoke is known to cause tissue damage and alter the enzymatic composition of the body. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a group of intracellular hydrolytic enzymes known to partake in cellular metabolism. ALP levels are affected by smoking as well as passive smoking (PS) with a change in the pH of the oral cavity. The association of salivary alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP) levels in different age groups, gender, and times of exposure is not thoroughly explored yet, which was the primary aim of this study. Material and methods A total of 64 samples were collected from passive smokers and non-smokers. Unstimulated saliva (2-2.5 mL) was collected from each subject after obtaining their consent, followed by centrifuging and mixing with ALP reagent in a semi-autoanalyzer to obtain the S-ALP levels. Results Higher S-ALP levels were seen in passive smokers (34.70 IU/L) compared to healthy individuals (12 IU/L), which came to be statistically significant (p<0.01). S-ALP levels, when compared to different age groups and gender, were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). However, higher levels were seen in association with time of exposure in passive smokers where the data was statistically significant (p<0.01), suggesting tissue damage possibly due to oxidative stresses and tissue inflammation on continuous exposure for a minimum of 30-60 minutes daily as per our study. Conclusion Significantly high levels of S-ALP were found in passive smokers in comparison to non-smokers. This suggests that passive smoking has negative effects on the body tissues. Age, gender, and time of exposure of a non-smoker to tobacco smoke can lead to alterations in S-ALP levels. High levels of S-ALP were seen in individuals with prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke on a daily basis. Salivaomics can thus be used as a non-invasive, economical, and accurate alternative in tissue damage diagnosis.

Impact of Gingivitis on Circulating Neutrophil Reactivity and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Inflammatory Proteins

Gingivitis is an extremely common oral inflammatory condition and can be induced in humans using an acute 21-day experimental gingivitis model. Neutrophils are known to be highly prevalent in the gingival crevice during gingival inflammation; however, the effect of gingivitis and the associated biofilm on peripheral blood neutrophils (PBN) is not well characterised. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of inflammation induced by experimental gingivitis and its resolution upon the function of PBN. Fifteen systemically healthy volunteers undertook a split-mouth 21-day experimental gingivitis study followed by a resolution phase of 14 days. PBN function, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release, directional chemotactic accuracy and expression of host mediators in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), were measured at baseline (day 0), on day 21 and on day 35. NET formation and ROS production were significantly elevated at day 21. Chemotactic speed was also elevated in response to bacterial peptide fMLP at day 21. At day 35, ROS production in response to an Fcgamma stimulant, opsonised Staphylococcus aureus, remained elevated. The data presented suggest a lasting biological impact of the experimental gingivitis on PBN function even after clinical symptoms have abated.

Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF): A Diagnostic Tool for the Detection of Periodontal Health and Diseases

The methodologies applicable for the evaluation of periodontal associated diseases are constantly evolving to provide quick, realistic, and scientifically proven results. Trends in the past followed a clinical evaluation of periodontal tissues and radiographic-based reports that formed the foundation for detection of diseases involving the structures supporting the teeth. As the confines and limitations of conventional strategies became obvious over the passage of time, hand in hand variety of techniques have evolved and experimentally justified. These improvisations are based on an improved understanding of the periodontal-pathogenic cascade. Periodontal pathogenesis and a paradigm shift from disease understanding to disease prevention and treatment entail few prerequisites that demand the objectivity of diagnostics procedure that includes sensitivity and specificity along with an explanation of the intensity of the disease, Gingival crevicular fluid an oral bio-fluid resides in the close proximity with gingival tissues have been widely used to understand and differentiate the periodontal health and diseased status. The biomarkers present in the GCF can be a reliable tool to detect the minute changes seen in the disease processes. The GCF consists of various host and bacterial-derived products as well as biomarkers which in turn can be evaluated for the diagnosis, prognosis as well as management of the periodontal disease. Thus, the review aims at describing GCF as a potential oral biofluid helpful in differentiating periodontal health and disease status.

Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase levels in saliva and serum of patients with healthy periodontium, gingivitis, and periodontitis before and after scaling with root planing: A clinico-biochemical study

Periodontitis is commonly diagnosed based on clinical parameters. However, the analysis of a few unique biomarkers of the disease process present in the saliva and blood can further assist the estimation of the rate of disease progression.

Aim

The present study attempted to correlate the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) levels in saliva and serum between patients with healthy periodontium, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis.

Materials and methods

The present study was conducted in 135 subjects between 20 and 55 years of age. The subjects were divided into three groups, namely healthy (Group A), gingivitis (Group B), and chronic periodontitis (Group C). The clinical parameters were recorded using the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing depth (PD). Saliva and serum were analyzed for ALP and ACP levels using an auto analyzer. All patients underwent scaling and root planning (SRP) along with oral hygiene instructions. Patients were then recalled after four weeks, and blood and saliva samples were collected to estimate ALP and ACP levels prior to clinical examination.

Results

The clinical parameters exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the PI and GI in both group B and group C after SRP. A significant change in the PD and attachment levels (AL) was observed in the periodontitis group after SRP. The mean salivary & serum ALP levels exhibited a statistically significant decrease in group B & C after SRP. The mean serum ACP levels exhibited a statistically significant decrease in group B & C after SRP However, the salivary ACP levels decrease after SRP was only statistically significant in group C.

Conclusion

Serum and salivary ALP and ACP levels were markedly decreased in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups after SRP and were positively correlated with the clinical parameters.

An enzyme-responsive membrane for antibiotic drug release and local periodontal treatment

Periodontitis is a chronic, destructive inflammatory disease that injures tooth- supporting tissues, eventually leading to tooth loss. Complete eradication of periodontal pathogenic microorganisms is fundamental to allow periodontal healing and commonly precedes periodontal tissue regeneration. To address this challenge, we report a strategy for developing an enzyme-mediated periodontal membrane for targeted antibiotic delivery into infectious periodontal pockets; the unique components of the membrane will also benefit periodontal alveolar bone repair. In this approach, a chitosan membrane containing polyphosphoester and minocycline hydrochloride (PPEM) was prepared. Physical, morphological, and ultrastructural analyses were carried out in order to assess cellular compatibility, drug release and antibacterial activity in vitro. Additionally, the functionality of the PPEM membrane was evaluated in vivo with a periodontal defect model in rats. The results confirm that the PPEM membrane exhibits good physical properties with excellent antibacterial activity and successfully promotes periodontal tissue repair, making it promising for periodontal treatment.

Leptin levels in gingival crevicular fluid during canine retraction: in vivo comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the leptin levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and rate of canine retraction using an elastomeric chain and nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring.

DESIGN

In vivo, clinical study.

SETTING

Orthodontic department at ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, India.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-seven patients reported to the Department of Orthodontics at ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients were included in the study in which canine retraction was carried out with an elastomeric chain and NiTi closed coil spring on either side of the arch applying 150 g of force on both sides. GCF samples were collected before the commencement of canine retraction, on the first, seventh and 21st day after application of force and were analysed for leptin levels by the ELISA technique. Impressions for the study model were taken at baseline and after 21 days to measure the rate of tooth movement bilaterally with an electronic digital calliper.

RESULTS

The results obtained within both groups showed a significant decrease in leptin levels from baseline to 21 days ( P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in leptin levels between both groups, but leptin levels decreased more in the NiTi closed coil spring group. The rate of tooth movement is not significantly different between both groups, but space closure is faster in the NiTi closed coil spring group.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin levels in GCF showed a significant decrease during canine retraction using an elastomeric chain and NiTi coil spring; there was no significant difference in the rate of tooth movement between both the groups.

Evaluation of serum and salivary alkaline phosphatase levels in chronic periodontitis patients before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy

Background:

The traditional method of diagnosing periodontitis includes the assessment of clinical parameters and radiographic aids to evaluate the periodontal tissue destruction. Saliva has the potential to be used as the diagnostic fluid for oral disease. This study aimed at comparing the quantitative levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in saliva and serum before and after scaling and root planing in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

A total number of 50 participants (40 with chronic generalized periodontitis and 10 periodontally healthy volunteers) of 30–50 years were included in the study. Clinical parameters such as simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were measured, and then, saliva and blood sample collection was done and analyzed for ALP levels by spectrometry. The clinical parameters along with saliva and serum ALP levels were reevaluated after 30 days following Phase I periodontal therapy. The results were statistically analyzed using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results:

The saliva and serum ALP levels were significantly increased in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis with an increase in clinical parameters such as OHI-S, gingival index, probing depth, and CAL when compared with periodontally healthy individuals. The saliva and serum ALP levels were significantly decreased following Phase I periodontal, therapy along with improvement in clinical parameters.

Conclusion:

With the limitations of the present study, it could be concluded that ALP levels in saliva can be used for the diagnosis of active phase of periodontal disease and also for evaluation of the treatment outcomes following Phase I periodontal therapy.

Evaluation of salivary alkaline phosphatase levels in tobacco users to determine its role as a biomarker in oral potentially malignant disorders

Background

Elevated salivary alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP) levels have been observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma, but its status in tobacco users and in individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) is less explored.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives were to estimate and compare the levels of S-ALP among tobacco users, nonusers and in individuals with OPMD.

Materials and Methods

The study population comprised 42 individuals, categorized into four groups with/without tobacco usage habit and with/without lesion. 5 ml of unstimulated saliva sample was collected, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min and supernatant separated. S-ALP was estimated in the supernatant by using kinetic photometric method in an automatic analyzer.

Results

Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The mean S-ALP was 18.00 IU/L for normal individuals without tobacco usage, 4.60 IU/L for smokers without lesion, 7.50 IU/L for tobacco chewers without any lesion and 64.90 IU/L for individuals with OPMD. The mean difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001) using Kruskal-Wallis' ANOVA. No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was obtained in the S-ALP levels between tobacco users and nonusers and between smokers and tobacco chewers, using Mann-Whitney U-test. S-ALP levels in individuals with OPMD were statistically significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those without lesions, with or without tobacco usage habit, using Mann-Whitney U-test.

Conclusion

We conclude that S-ALP could be used as a reliable noninvasive biomarker in monitoring OPMD.

Assessment of clinical efficacy of locally delivered 0.2% Thymoquinone gel in the treatment of periodontitis

Objectives

To evaluate the potential benefits of local application of Thymoquinone gel as an adjunctive to scaling and root planing (SRP) in subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Material and methods

Twenty subjects with 40 test sites were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were further divided into 2 groups. Group I comprised of study subjects (Thymoquinone in addition to SRP) and Group II comprised of control subjects (only SRP). Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Relative Attachment Level (RAL), were monitored at baseline and 6 weeks post operatively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks post operatively using microcapillaries. In addition antimicrobial efficacy of Thymoquinone was evaluated against 3 bacteria using antimicrobial strains.

Results

Statistically highly significant reduction was observed in PI, GI and PPD, rise in RAL and GCF ALP level in both the groups at 6 weeks from baseline. On comparison between Group I and Group II, former demonstrated statistically significant reduction in PPD, GCF-ALP levels and rise in RAL but statistically no significant differences were observed in PI and GI at 6 weeks. On microbiological assessment of 0.2% Thymoquinone gel, it was observed to be sensitive against P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia.

Conclusion

Significant changes in clinical and biochemical parameters were achieved in the current study. Hence, it is concluded that intracrevicular application of 0.2% Thymoquinone gel could be a beneficial adjunct to SRP in treating chronic periodontitis.

Effect of scaling & root planing on the activity of ALP in GCF & serum of patients with gingivitis, chronic and aggressive periodontitis: A comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Host response and environmental factors are known to modify periodontal status adversely. Presently serum, saliva, and GCF are being investigated for its biochemical constituents. GCF contains array of biochemical factors, offering potential use as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker of the biologic state of the periodontium in health and disease. Alkaline phosphatase is produced locally in the periodontium and shows positive correlation with disease activity and PD. Present study was designed to analyze the levels of ALP in GCF and serum of patients with gingivitis, chronic & aggressive periodontitis before and after SRP & to compare the difference within the study groups.

METHODS

OPD patients grouped into: Gingivitis, Aggressive periodontitis & chronic periodontitis patients. Clinical parameters recorded for each patient prior to therapy. Pooled GCF samples collected using micro capillary tubes from the deepest pocket sites for each patient and stored at -70° C. Serum samples also collected and stored at -20° C. Each patient was subjected to scaling and root planing with two weeks maintenance recall. After 6 to 8 weeks GCF and serum samples collected again and all clinical parameters rerecorded. GCF and serum samples analyzed for levels of ALP by using para nitro phenol assay for the three groups.

RESULTS

ALP levels in GCF increased significantly during active phase of disease followed by statistically significant reduction after phase I therapy. Baseline levels of ALP in GCF was CP > AP > G with maximum reduction in GCF ALP after SRP in G > CP > AP group.

Identification of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Sampling, Analytical Methods, and Oral Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review

Background. Several studies in the last decades have focused on finding a precise method for the diagnosis of periodontal disease in its early stages. Aim. To evaluate from current scientific literature the most common and precise method for gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sample collection, biomarker analytical methods, and the variability of biomarker quantification, even when using the same analytical technique. Methodology. An electronic search was conducted on in vivo studies that presented clinical data on techniques used for GCF collection and biomarker analysis. Results. The results showed that 71.1%, 24.7%, and 4.1% of the studies used absorption, microcapillary, and washing techniques, respectively, in their gingival crevicular fluid collection. 73.1% of the researchers analyzed their samples by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 22.6%, 19.5%, and 18.5% of the researchers included interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), respectively, in their studies as biomarkers for periodontal disease. Conclusion. IL-1β can be considered among the most common biomarkers that give precise results and can be used as an indicator of periodontal disease progression. Furthermore, paper strips are the most convenient and accurate method for gingival crevicular fluid collection, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can be considered the most conventional method for the diagnosis of biofluids.

Effect of 1% Phenytoin Muco-Adhesive Paste on Improvement of Periodontal Status in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Blinded Controlled Clinical Study

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Phenytoin (PHT) has been known to promote wound healing in some medical conditions owing to its proliferative as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Yet, its application in oral lesions was less investigated.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in periodontal indices following the topical use of phenytoin in chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In this doubled-blind, randomized, split-mouth controlled clinical study, 20 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis referred to Periodontology Department of Shahid Sadoughi Medical University of Yazd in 2014 were selected consecutively. After initial therapy (scaling and root planning and oral hygiene instructions), periodontal indices including bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and modified gingival index (MGI) were recorded. Gingival facial surface of two posterior sextants with at least two teeth with similar conditions, were selected randomly. Then one surface received PHT paste whereas the other side had placebo as control. Patients were received the mucoadhesive pastes under strict control by an examiner, twice a day for a week. Periodontal indices were measured 3 weeks after treatment. Data was analyzed with t-test and paired t-test by using SPSS 21 software.

RESULTS

It was observed that periodontal pocket depth was significantly more decreased in phenytoin side in comparison with placebo one (p< 0.05). In addition, inflammatory indices including bleeding on probing and modified gingival index declined more in the phenytoin group (p= 0.001 and p< 0.05 respectively).

CONCLUSION

These encouraging results support the use of 1% phenytoin mucoadhesive paste as an adjunctive in periodontal treatment.

Biomarker levels in gingival crevicular fluid of subjects with different periodontal conditions: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To compare five biomarker levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in different tooth-sites of subjects with healthy periodontium, aggressive periodontitis and severe chronic periodontitis, and to evaluate the value of these biomarker levels for diagnosis of the type and activity of periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prior to therapy, GCF samples were collected using filter paper strip at different tooth-sites of 10 subjects with healthy periodontium (H), 15 with severe chronic periodontitis (CP) and 15 with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). The strips were weighed and the periodontal clinical parameters were recorded. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in GCF were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The volumes of the GCF samples obtained in CP and AgP subjects were significantly higher than those from subjects with healthy periodontium (P<0.05). Levels of IL-6, TNF-α, CRP and ALP were significantly higher in the untreated disease sites in the CP and AgP groups compared to those in control sites in the H group, while IL-10 levels were lower in the CP and AgP groups than those in the control sites in the H group. However, the levels of all five biomarker levels showed significant correlation with the clinical parameters.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of five biomarker levels in GCF may facilitate overall screening of periodontitis patients in epidemiological studies and allow estimation of periodontitis activity.

Estimation and Comparison of Salivary Calcium, Phosphorous, Alkaline Phosphatase and pH Levels in Periodontal Health and Disease: A Cross-sectional Biochemical Study

INTRODUCTION

In oral diagnostics there is a great challenge to determine biomarkers for screening and evaluating the disease activity. Biomarkers can also serve as a useful tool to measure the efficacy of the therapy.

AIM

To evaluate and compare the levels of salivary calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase and pH levels in periodontally healthy subjects and patients with gingivitis and periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study consisted of 150 subjects aged between 20-45 years who were divided into three groups; periodontally healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. Prior to the clinical examination the demographic details, relevant information of the subject, gingival index, plaque index, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and pH were recorded. Biochemical assay of saliva i.e., inorganic calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase were estimated by colorimetric method. ANOVA and Tukey's test were applied for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean levels of biomarkers studied were; inorganic calcium (12.55μg/dl), phosphorous (14.50μg/dl), alkaline phosphatase (49.62μg/dl) and pH (11.65). There was a gradual increase in these levels as the condition progressed from health to gingivitis or periodontitis which was statistically significant at p<0.001.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, it can be concluded that, the biomarkers like salivary calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase and pH can be considered for evaluating the diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal tissues in disease and health.

Bonebiomarkers in periodontal disease: a review article

Periodontitis, is an inflammatory state of the tooth supporting structures and if left untreated, the disease continues to progressive bone destruction and subsequent tooth loss. The increasing prevelance of periodontal disease paved way to the development of new diagnostic tests that could detect the presence of active disease,the course of the disease and its response to treatment. Bone is a metabolically active tissue and undergo continuous remodelling, a process that largely relies on the activity of osteoclasts to remove bone and of osteoblasts to form bone. In health ,bone resorption and formation are coupled to each other and its long term maintenance of skeletal balance is brought about by the systemic hormones and local mediators.In contrasts,during disease there is a pronounced in balance in bone turnover. Bone biomarkers which are produced either in health or in disease state are tell tale markers which would be used to monitor the health status. This review highlights, the recent advances in the use of biomarkers of bone remodelling,that could facilitate the screening, diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases.

Salivary alkaline phosphatase and calcium in caries-active type II diabetes mellitus patients: An in vivo study

Background:

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic syndrome, affecting the oral health in various ways with dental caries being one of the most common problems encountered. Saliva is one of the most abundant secretions in the human body with a variety of natural protective and defence molecules bathing the oral cavity maintaining equilibrium. Its collection is easy and non-invasive.

Aims:

To compare and evaluate salivary alkaline phosphatase levels and calcium ion levels between caries active type II diabetes mellitus patients and non-diabetics.

Materials and Methods:

This study was carried out on caries-active age and gender matched 60 non-diabetic and 60 patients with known Type II diabetes mellitus subjects of age group 25-50 years with DMFT index >10. Saliva sample was collected to analyse for alkaline phosphatase enzyme and concentration of calcium ions using Agappe kits.

Statistical Analysis:

Student ‘t’ test was used to correlate the salivary electrolyte concentration in non- diabetic and diabetic patients with dental caries. A ‘P’ value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD).

Results:

The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in saliva was higher in diabetic patients when compared to that of non-diabetic patients with salivary calcium ions were significantly higher in non-diabetic individuals.

Conclusion:

Diabetes Mellitus patients are more prone to dental caries, hence require intervention to improve the quality of saliva.

Comparisons between two biochemical markers in evaluating periodontal disease severity: a cross-sectional study

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare two biochemical markers, which have been previously used to determine the degrees of alveolar bone destruction, in evaluating periodontal disease severity.

Methods

The WF6 epitope of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were determined in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples collected from patients with various degrees of disease severity, including ten patients with gingivitis (50 gingivitis sites) and 33 patients with chronic periodontitis (including gingivitis, slight, moderate, and severe periodontitis sites; n = 50 each), as well as from ten healthy volunteers (50 healthy sites) by Periopaper strips. The levels of CS and ALP were measured by an ELISA and a fluorometric assay, respectively.

Results

The results demonstrated low levels of CS and ALP in non-destructive and slightly destructive periodontitis sites, whereas significantly high levels of these two biomolecules were shown in moderately and severely destructive sites (p < 0.05). Although a significant difference in CS levels was found between moderate and severe periodontitis sites, no difference in ALP levels was found. Stronger correlations were found between CS levels and periodontal parameters, including probing depth, loss of clinical attachment levels, gingival index and plaque index, than between ALP levels and these parameters.

Conclusions

It is suggested that the CS level is a better diagnostic marker than the ALP level for evaluating distinct severity of chronic periodontitis.