Gingival crevicular fluid periodontal ligament-associated protein-1, sclerostin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in periodontitis

BackgroundIn periodontitis, the equilibrium between bone formation and resorption skews in favor of bone loss. Periodontal ligament-associated protein-1 (PLAP-1) and sclerostin play a significant role in the suppression of bone formation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a central proinflammatory cytokine related to periodontal bone loss. This study aims to assess gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) PLAP-1, sclerostin, and TNF-alpha levels in individuals with periodontal disease. MethodsSeventy-one individuals diagnosed with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis (n = 23), gingivitis (n = 24), and periodontal health (n = 24) were included in the study. Full-mouth clinical periodontal measurements were performed. PLAP-1, sclerostin, and TNF-alpha total amounts in GCF were quantified by ELISA. Nonparametric methods were used for the data analyses. ResultsPeriodontitis group exhibited significantly higher GCF PLAP-1, sclerostin and TNF-alpha levels compared with gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups (p < 0.05). GCF PLAP-1 and TNF-alpha levels of gingivitis group were higher than healthy controls (p < 0.05) whereas GCF sclerostin levels were similar in two groups (p > 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between GCF PLAP-1, sclerostin and TNF-alpha levels and all clinical parameters (p < 0.01). ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study showing GCF PLAP-1 levels in periodontal health and disease. Increased GCF PLAP-1 and sclerostin levels and their correlations with TNF-alpha in periodontitis imply that those molecules might be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Further studies in larger mixed cohorts are needed to enlighten the possible role of PLAP-1 and sclerostin in periodontal bone loss.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of PLAP-1, sclerostin, and TNF-alpha in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with periodontal disease. The results showed significantly higher levels of PLAP-1, sclerostin, and TNF-alpha in the periodontitis group compared to the gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups. The study suggests that PLAP-1 and sclerostin may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.