Effects of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Salivary 8-Hydroxy-Deoxyguanosine Levels and Glycemic Control in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients

Diabetes and periodontitis are complex chronic diseases that are potentially interrelated, as well as associated with oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on salivary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and glycemic control in patients suffering from both diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and periodontitis. The study sample included 53 DM2 patients, while 31 systemically healthy patients served as controls. Participants in both groups suffered from periodontitis of comparable severity. Periodontal clinical parameters, namely plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded, along with salivary 8-OHdG levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Levels of 8-OHdG were analyzed by ELISA. All aforementioned parameters were evaluated prior to commencing the study and at 90-day follow-up upon nonsurgical periodontal therapy completion. At baseline, salivary levels of 8-OHdG in DM2 patients were significantly higher (1.17 ng/mL) than those measured for the control group (0.75 ng/mL) and showed significant positive correlation with GI and PPD (p < 0.05). Three months after nonsurgical periodontal therapy, the salivary 8-OHdG levels were significantly reduced in DM2 patients (p < 0.05). Analysis results also revealed statistically significant changes in all measured clinical parameters between baseline and three-month follow-up in both groups (p < 0.05). Upon treatment completion, a decline in the HbA1c level was noted in DM group, but it did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that DM2 patients benefit from non-surgical periodontal therapy, as indicated by a marked reduction in their salivary 8-OHdG level and a modest improvement in glycemic control. Short-term clinical benefits noted in the DM group were similar to those observed in the non-diabetic periodontal patients.