Periostin levels in saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Periostin acts as a necessary protein for tissue integrity and maturity and has a key role as a modulator of periodontal ligament hemostasis. It has been shown that periostin acts as a supportive protein. The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of periostin in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case–control, cross-sectional study, a total of 45 individuals (25 patients with chronic periodontitis and 20 healthy controls) were evaluated. Whole saliva samples were collected, and periostin levels were evaluated by standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were analyzed by SPSS and Mann–Whitney analysis. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the level of periostin in saliva in patients with periodontitis was significantly lower than healthy controls (P < 0.05). Periostin was detectable in all samples. CONCLUSION: The results show that there is a significant relationship between the level of periostin in saliva and chronic periodontitis. Periostin may be considered as an inflammatory marker in periodontal disease. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding.