Gingival status, crevicular fluid tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 levels in pregnancy versus post-partum

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate a possible link between periodontal status of pregnant women and the plasminogen activator system in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Methods: GCF samples were obtained from four interproximal sites of anterior teeth in 43 women during the second trimester and also after delivery. Full mouth dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) values were recorded at six sites/tooth in each subject. GCF levels of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor, plasminogen activator-inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) were determined by ELISA. Data comparisons between pregnancy and postpartum were made by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The number of pockets with a PD >4 mm and total volume of GCF sampled were reduced significantly after delivery (p = 0.000 and p = 0.013, respectively). No significant differences were detected in GCF concentrations of t-PA or PAI-2 between pregnancy and post-partum. Conclusions: Our results suggest that GCF t-PA and PAI-2 concentrations are not affected by pregnancy. Reductions in PD values and GCF volume following delivery indicate a resolution of oedema in gingival tissues, possibly related to hormonal changes due to the ending of pregnancy.