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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin in relation to periodontitis and smoking
Gaia Maffei1, Nannette Brouwer, Koert M Dolman
1Department of Periodontology, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an important molecule of innate immunity; it acts as an opsonin and stimulates the classical complement pathway. Moreover, it has been suggested that MBL acts as a weak acute phase protein. We investigated whether MBL levels are increased in periodontitis, and we tested whether individuals deficient for MBL are more susceptible to periodontitis.
Methods:
A total of 219 subjects participated in the study. Plasma samples from 115 periodontitis patients and 104 healthy controls were taken, and the MBL levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MBL levels were analyzed in relation to periodontitis, taking into consideration age, gender, ethnic and educational background, and smoking status. In some analyses, subjects with MBL plasma levels <0.8 microg/ml were considered MBL deficient.
Results:
MBL plasma concentrations were not significantly different in moderate and severe periodontitis compared to controls (1.6, 1.4, and 1.6 microg/ml, respectively). Also, the prevalence of MBL deficiency was not found to be different between controls and moderate and severe periodontitis (45%, 37%, and 36%). However, among all subjects and among the non-deficient subjects, MBL levels were markedly increased in heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes per day), irrespective of periodontal disease status, in comparison to non-smokers and light smokers. MBL plasma levels did not show a correlation with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and were also not related to the prevalence of specific periodontal pathogens.
Conclusions:
MBL levels were not elevated in periodontitis, and MBL deficiency was not related to susceptibility for periodontitis. The fact that MBL levels were higher among heavy smokers is the subject of further investigation.
Insights
Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels are not linked to periodontitis or susceptibility to the disease. However, MBL levels were significantly higher in heavy smokers, warranting further research into this association.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Periodontology
- Innate Immunity
Background:
- Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a key innate immunity molecule, functioning as an opsonin and activating the complement pathway.
- MBL has been proposed as a weak acute phase protein, prompting investigation into its role in inflammatory conditions like periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels are elevated in patients with periodontitis.
- To assess whether MBL deficiency increases susceptibility to periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure MBL plasma levels in 115 periodontitis patients and 104 healthy controls.
- Statistical analyses considered factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, education, and smoking status. MBL deficiency was defined as plasma levels <0.8 microg/ml.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in MBL plasma concentrations were observed between periodontitis patients (moderate and severe) and healthy controls.
- The prevalence of MBL deficiency did not differ significantly across the study groups (periodontitis vs. controls).
- Heavy smokers exhibited markedly increased MBL levels compared to non-smokers and light smokers, irrespective of periodontal status. MBL levels did not correlate with C-reactive protein (CRP) or specific periodontal pathogens.
Conclusions:
- MBL levels are not elevated in periodontitis, and MBL deficiency does not appear to confer susceptibility to the disease.
- A notable increase in MBL levels was observed in heavy smokers, suggesting a potential link that requires further investigation.
