Estimation of prostaglandin E(2) levels in gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal health, disease and after treatment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Initial research has shown a positive correlation between the severity of periodontal disease (PD) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). However, there are no enough reports to correlate the PGE(2) concentrations in GCF in periodontal health, disease and after treatment. Hence, the present study is aimed to estimate the levels of PGE(2) in GCF in periodontal health, disease and after periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A periodontal examination and collection of GCF by extracrevicular method was performed in 25 subjects selected randomly and categorized into three groups on the basis of plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Group I (healthy) consists of 10 subjects, Group II (chronic periodontitis) consists of 15 patients and Group III (after treatment group) consists of 15 patients of Group II. PGE(2) levels were estimated in GCF samples by using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: All clinical parameters improved significantly after therapy (P < 0.001). PGE(2) was detected in all the samples. Highest mean PGE(2) concentrations in GCF were obtained for Group II while the lowest concentrations were seen in Group I and Group III. Statistically significant difference was found between the levels of PGE(2) at Group-II and Group-III (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a substantial increase in the concentrations of PGE(2) as PD progresses. Since PGE(2) levels in GCF are positively correlated with gingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depths and clinical attachment levels, PGE(2) may be considered as a Novel Biomarker in PD progression. However, controlled, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this possibility.