Gingival fluid, beta 2-microglobulin and protein levels as indicators of periodontal disease

beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m), lysozyme and protein concentrations in gingival fluid were analyzed in 19 patients with severe periodontitis and in 19 controls devoid of any clinical signs of inflammation. A significant increase of the total protein and beta 2-m levels was found in periodontal subjects. In contrast, lysozyme concentration did not reflect the inflammatory status of the periodontium. Statistical analyses showed significant correlations between beta 2-m and protein concentrations in both groups. Furthermore, the values obtained by Periotron 600 closely correlated with the protein and beta 2-m contents, indicating that this method is a reliable aid in assessment of the quantity and quality of crevicular exudate and thus the severity of periodontal disease.