Evaluation of Microbial Profile in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Periodontal Disease: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and oral health are found to share a reciprocal link. Previous substantiating evidences suggest that PCOS may have a confounding effect on periodontal health and may quantitatively modify the composition of the oral microbiome. To analyze the role of PCOS as a risk factor in causing periodontal disease, we compared and evaluated the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic periodontitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gingivitis, and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 40 female participants are enrolled and grouped into four groups which included healthy female individuals, patients with PCOS, patients with PCOS and gingivitis, and patients with PCOS and periodontitis. Periodontal examination is assessed primarily on all the participants using a UNC-15 probe. Dental plaque is then collected using a sterile curette in one stroke and transferred into an Eppendorf tube containing TE Buffer (Tris-EDTA buffer) solution. The level of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum was estimated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum were observed to be significantly higher in group with patients with PCOS and periodontitis. CONCLUSION: PCOS may have an impact on the composition of oral microflora causing repercussions in periodontal health.