Estimation of variation in serum and gingival crevicular fluid levels of mannose-binding lectin after periodontal therapy in chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a serum protein, has a role in the activation of the complement cascade and plays an important role in innate immune defense. MBL levels is said to be increased in various immunoinflammatory conditions systemically. The present study analyzes the serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of MBL in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis and also to find out the alteration in its levels after nonsurgical periodontal therapy in serum and GCF.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 20 subjects suffering from chronic periodontitis with an age range of 20-60 years participated in the study. GCF as well as serum samples was collected from each patient at two different time intervals: before nonsurgical periodontal therapy and 1 week after scaling and root planing (SRP). MBL levels were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), oral hygiene index (OHI-S), probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after the treatment.

RESULTS

The present study showed that both serum and GCF MBL levels decreased after periodontal treatment, with a statistically significant decrease in the values for GCF. Furthermore, PI, GI, Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified, and periodontal probing depth showed a statistically significant decrease in the values after periodontal therapy (4 weeks) as compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION

This cross-sectional study demonstrated statistically significant reductions in GCF MBL levels, along with a decrease in mean serum MBL levels, following SRP in patients with chronic periodontitis. Assessment of MBL levels can serve as a significant biomarker in the diagnosis of periodontal disease and its treatment outcome.