Relationship of salivary levels of sialic acid in obese patients with chronic periodontitis: A biochemical study

Background: Sialic acid (SA) participates in multiple physiological functions, such as cell-to-cell interactions, cell migration, and proliferation. The levels of SA may provide intimation about the severity and state of underlying disease processes. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the salivary levels of SA in obese patients with and without chronic periodontitis (CP) and nonobese healthy patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 patients were divided into three groups: Group 1: nonobese healthy, Group 2: obese without CP, and Group 3: obese with CP. Whole saliva samples were collected, and SA levels were evaluated using the thiobarbituric acid method of Skoza and Mohos. The results were analyzed using SPSS and Mann–Whitney analysis. Results: The highest SA levels from the saliva were detected in Group 3 while the lowest in Group 1. A significant difference in SA levels in the saliva was found when Groups 1 and 2 were compared with Group 3 (P Conclusion: The level of SA was higher in the saliva of CP patients. SA may be used as an inflammatory marker for the detection of periodontal disease.