Gingival crevicular fluid and serum vascular endothelial growth factor: Their relationship in periodontal health, disease and after treatment

Objectives: The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) correlate well with clinical parameters of periodontal disease. The present study was designed to assess the relationship between clinical parameters and VEGF levels of the GCF from inflammed gingiva, periodontitis sites and treated periodontitis sites, and to correlate them to the serum VEGF levels. Design: Thirty, gender and age-matched subjects were divided into three groups- health, plaque-induced gingivitis and chronic periodontitis group, based on gingival index score and clinical attachment level. The fourth group consisted of 10 subjects in the periodontitis group, 6-8 weeks after nonsurgical treatment. Total of eighty samples (forty GCF and forty serum samples) were collected and quantified for VEGF using enzyme immunoassay. Results: The highest mean GCF and serum VEGF concentrations were observed in the periodontitis group and lowest in the healthy group. Periodontitis group showed significant reduction in VEGF levels in both GCF and serum samples after treatment. Conclusions: GCF and serum VEGF levels increased progressively with the disease severity and decreased after treatment of periodontal disease. Moreover GCF and serum VEGF levels correlated positively with clinical periodontal parameters. The study indicates the key role of VEGF in periodontal disease as a inflammatory biomarker. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.