Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Visfatin Levels in Healthy and Periodontally Diseased Patients before and after Scaling and Root Planing

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the levels of salivary visfatin in healthy controls, patients with gingivitis and patients with chronic periodontitis and also to assess the outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the levels of salivary visfatin in patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients, both males and females, in the age group of 25–50 years were enrolled into three groups, based on their clinical parameters: Group I (Healthy controls - 16), Group II (Patients with gingivitis - 16), and Group III (Patients with chronic periodontitis - 16). Groups II and III were examined 2 months after SRP. The clinical parameters that were recorded include plaque index, modified gingival index, gingival bleeding index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. The samples of saliva were collected from each patient and the levels of visfatin were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: The mean concentration of salivary visfatin at baseline was found to be highest in Group III and lowest in Group I. A statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the mean concentration of salivary visfatin and the clinical parameters were observed after 2 months of SRP. CONCLUSION: The levels of salivary visfatin can thus be considered as an inflammatory biomarker for periodontal diseases. However, future longitudinal prospective studies are needed to support these findings.