Changes in Inflammatory Markers in Bacterial- and Nifedipine-Induced Gingival Inflammation

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory gingival enlargement is a common observation in routine dental practice. Drugs like nifedipine, used for hypertension and Porphyromonas gingivalis infection-induced gingival enlargement is of a major concern. The current study aims to identify the inflammatory response of the gingival enlargement by measuring the major inflammatory markers fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with nifedipine-induced gingival enlargement, twelve with P. gingivalis infection, and seven with both drug and bacterial infection formed the test group and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects formed the control. Gingival status was assessed, and the gingival index is noted. Fibrinogen and CRP were measured in venous blood. Results of the test and controls were compared using t-test and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: It was found that the changes in the inflammatory markers were statically significant in both fibrinogen levels and the CRP. The inflammation was more pronounced in subjects exposed to the drug and bacterial infection. The gingival index was found directly correlating with both the fibrinogen and the CRP levels. CONCLUSION: The quantitative estimation of both fibrinogen and CRP are good markers for the quantification of inflammation and hence evaluating the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Substituting the drug and reducing the bacterial load will help in improving the outcome of the treatment and thereby reducing the risk od CHD.