[Prostaglandin E2 (PgE2) in normal and inflamed gingiva. Clinical assay. Literature review]

The role of prostaglandins (Pg) in the pathogeny of periodontal disease is analyzed. For that purpose, 92 samples of gingivae were taken to the same number of patients (48 women and 44 men) aged 17-74 years, and were clinically classified according to Löe gingival index. Presence of prostaglandins was determined by thin layer chromatography. Presence or absence of PgE2 was related to sex, age, Löe gingival index and degree of inflammatory infiltrated. Although correlation between Löe gingival index and degree of inflammatory infiltrate has not an exactly correspondence, the first one offers a useful initial clinical orientation. To patients with higher degree of inflammation corresponded higher PgE2 concentrations. Possibility of using prostaglandin inhibiting drugs in the treatment of periodontal disease is stated.