A comparative evaluation of hepatocyte growth factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva and its correlation with clinical parameters in patients with and without chronic periodontitis: A clinico-biochemical study

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the relationship between the levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva, both clinically and biochemically, in patients with and without chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 36 patients (12 male, 24 female) were selected in the age range of 18-60 years (mean, 32.7±11.1 years). The subjects were assigned to three groups, which included Group I (control), Group II (chronic periodontitis with probing depth PD <5 mm), and Group III (chronic periodontitis with PD ≥5 mm). Clinical parameters included plaque index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, PD, and clinical attachment level. The GCF samples were taken by using the capillary tubes whereas saliva was collected by the suction method. The levels of HGF in GCF and in saliva were estimated using an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay reader. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation in the levels of HGF in GCF and in saliva of patients with and without chronic periodontitis. The results also indicated that the HGF levels in GCF and saliva correlated well with the clinical parameters and with the severity of the periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Both GCF and saliva can be used to estimate the levels of HGF and thus may be regarded as a novel marker for periodontal disease activity.