Altered levels of salivary biochemical markers in periodontitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between periodontitis and levels of biochemical markers as well as enzyme activity. METHODS: Unstimulated whole saliva samples were obtained from 30 patients with periodontitis. Biochemical factors including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), uric acid (UA), and lactoferrin, as well as β-hexosaminidase (β-HEX) activity were measured. RESULTS: The levels of a salivary oxidant such as MDA and NO were statistically significantly higher in periodontitis patients than to that of healthy individuals. Similarly, the results indicated elevated levels of lactoferrin and β-HEX activity in saliva of the periodontitis group, which was statistically significant when compared to the controls. While the levels of an enzymatic antioxidant such as SOD were higher in the periodontitis patients than in the control subjects, uric acid levels were statistically significantly lower in the saliva of the periodontitis patients than in the healthy controls. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Except for uric acid, as a non-enzymatic antioxidant, the levels of salivary oxidative stress generally increase in the saliva of periodontitis patients. Since altered levels of salivary biomarkers such as oxidative stress and antioxidant substances might contribute in systemic and local complications in the patients, these informative biomarkers can be used as a promising factor for the early diagnosis of the disease.