Salivary leukocyte esterase activity by SillHa is a risk indicator of periodontal disease

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that diagnostic salivary tests measuring inflammatory biomarkers are being developed to assess inflammatory status for early detection, prevention, and progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate and identify the salivary biomarker that can predict the inflammatory status of periodontal disease. METHODS: A total of 36 patients (28 women and 8 men) with an average age of 57 years were investigated. Unstimulated saliva was collected from the recruited subjects and analyzed using SillHa, a saliva-testing device that measures bacteria count, saliva buffer capacity, acidity, leukocyte esterase, protein, and ammonia. Periodontal parameters were then obtained by clinical examination and initial periodontal therapy was performed. Data obtained with SillHa were compared with clinical periodontal parameters at baseline, re-examination (three months from baseline), and final examination (six months from re-examination). RESULTS: Leukocyte esterase activity in saliva measured by SillHa; BOP and PCR measured by clinical examination showed a significant difference between baseline and final examination and between re-examination and final examination. Patients in the lower median group (group 1) had a significant difference in leukocyte esterase activity between baseline and final examination and re-examination and final examination. In addition, patients in Group 1 had significantly lower BOP between baseline and final examination. While patients in the higher median group (group 2) showed a modest decrease in leukocyte esterase activity, which was significant only between baseline and final examination, no significant changes were observed concerning BOP. Furthermore, the associated systemic disease was observed in 30% and 81.2% of group 1 and 2 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that leukocyte esterase activity in saliva measured by SillHa could serve as a reliable diagnostic marker for monitoring inflammatory status in periodontal disease.