The role of salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in plaque-induced gingivitis and periodontitis

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in periodontitis, gingivitis, and periodontally healthy patients. METHODS: This study included 75 non-smokers who were systemically healthy. The clinical periodontal parameters of each participant were recorded. Individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and Stage II or Stage III Grade B periodontitis were allocated to the corresponding study groups (n = 25 each). Saliva samples were obtained from all individuals after they abstained from drinking and eating 1 h before sample collection. The galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in the saliva were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One-way analysis of variance, student's t-test, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis and gingivitis groups than in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The highest galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were observed in the gingivitis group (p < 0.05). Overall, the galectin-3 levels were significantly higher than the galectin-9 levels in all the groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were high in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis, suggesting that they could be potential biomarkers for periodontal diseases.