Salivary Biomarkers in Periodontitis Patients: A Pilot Study

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty subjects were included: 10 periodontally healthy subjects and 30 periodontitis patients. Periodontal examination and saliva sampling were performed in all patients. Levels of salivary cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8, and IL-10 were evaluated by a sandwich ELISA test kit. Data were analyzed by SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: Regarding individual biomarkers, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-8 levels were significantly higher in periodontitis patients (p ≤ 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). The concentration of these proteins in saliva showed a significant association with gingival index and pocket depth measurements and may reflect the clinical status of healthy and diseased periodontium. However, no significant differences were observed for the IL-10 component. CONCLUSION: IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations were statistically higher in periodontitis patients and may be used as potential tools in periodontitis diagnosis.