Estimation of N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen in periodontal health, disease and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy in gingival crevicular fluid: A clinico-biochemical study.

AIM: This study explored gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx) levels in periodontal health, disease and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy along with its association with the clinical parameters.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Study comprised of three groups of 10 subjects each: Healthy (Group I), gingivitis (Group II), and periodontitis (Group III), while Group III patients after scaling and root planning (SRP) constituted Group IV. Gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and radiological parameters were recorded. GCF samples were analyzed by competitive-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Samples in Group III and Group IV tested positive for NTx whereas in Group I and Group II, NTx was not detected. Mean NTx levels were higher in Group III (6.79 ± 0.94 nanomole bone collagen equivalents per liter [nm BCE/L]) compared to Group IV (5.73 ± 0.95 nm BCE/L) which was statistically significant. Positive correlation was seen between the clinical parameters and the NTx levels in Group III and IV.

CONCLUSION

As NTx is specific bone turnover marker, it is detected only in periodontitis Group and the values decline after SRP. Failure to detect NTx in Group I and II, relates to the minimum or no resorption at the sample sites.