Comparative evaluation of the levels of nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein (NLRP) 3 in saliva of subjects with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls

CONTEXT: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which is ubiquitous. When there is an onset of infection, the innate immunity gets activated followed by the adaptive immune system. Inflammasomes identify the pathogen-associated molecular patterns or danger-associated molecular patterns and initiate inflammation. Nod- like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP 3) is a protein belonging to the intracellular innate immune sensors that act against bacteria. The inflammasome acts along with the toll-like receptor pathways to initiate an action against pathogens. NLRP3 (also known as PYPAF-1 or cryopyrin) acts via apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC). AIMS: The study aimed at finding out the relation between levels of NLRP3 in chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a Cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical examination and saliva sampling of the study population was done. Reagents were prepared and NLRP3 levels were estimated using ELISA analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Intergroup comparison was initiated using the unpaired t-test and for within the group (intragroup), the two-way analysis of variance was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient helped to determine the strength of linear association. RESULTS: Increased levels of NLRP3 were seen in subjects suffering from chronic periodontitis. NLRP3 was also seen to be positively correlated to probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival index, and plaque index. CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation exists between NLRP3 and chronic periodontitis, and hence, NLRP3 can be a potential biomarker.