Comparison of salivary calprotectin levels in periodontitis associated with diabetes mellitus after low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing: A randomized clinical trial

CONTEXT AND AIMS: Calprotectin is a myeloid protein, exerting pro-inflammatory effects on various cells and are shown to be elevated in inflammatory diseases. Periodontal therapy has been shown to decrease the levels of calprotectin in body fluids. Hence, the present study was aimed at assessing salivary calprotectin levels in periodontitis associated with diabetes mellitus after low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four participants were divided into Groups A (periodontitis) and B (periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) based on probing depth of ≥5 mm, clinical attachment level (CAL) of >2 mm, and history of T2DM. Based on assigned treatments, the groups were subdivided into A1, A2, B1, and B2 where A1 and B1 were subjected to SRP alone and A2 and B2 received LLLT as an adjunct to SRP, respectively. The parameters assessed included probing pocket depth, CAL, bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), and salivary calprotectin. All the values were subjected for comparison at baseline and 8 weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Multiple group comparisons were done using analysis of variance; intragroup comparisons were made using t-test. The level of significance was assessed at P < 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: All parameters showed a significant difference within the groups from baseline to 8 weeks. Intergroup comparison of PI, BOP, and salivary calprotectin showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in calprotectin levels was noticed with LLLT when used as an adjunct to SRP. Calprotectin may be used as a prognostic marker for periodontitis.