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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Macrophage activating factor: A potential biomarker of periodontal health status
Ping Zhang1, Yaping Fan1, Qian Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Objective:
In periodontitis, activated macrophages not only initiate immune responses to periodontal-pathogen infections, but also damage the periodontal tissues by releasing a series of inflammatory cytokines. Macrophage-activating factor (MAF) and macrophage-chemotactic factor (MCF) are two important mediators involved in macrophage accumulation, activation and function. This study analyzed the levels of salivary MAF and MCF in healthy individuals and those with different periodontal diseases, and assessed the usefulness of salivary MAF and MCF as diagnostic biomarkers in periodontal tissue health status.
Design:
Ninety-five saliva specimens were collected from healthy individuals (n=19), and patients with gingivitis (n=19), mild periodontitis (n=17), moderate periodontitis (n=20), and severe periodontitis (n=20). Pocket probing depth (PPD) and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were recorded via periodontal probing and dental radiography, respectively. Salivary MAF and MCF concentrations were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results:
MAF level tended to increase in saliva as periodontal diseases progressed (healthy periodontium
Conclusions:
Salivary MAF levels correlate positively with tissue destruction in periodontal diseases. It is a potential valuable biomarker that could be used to assess periodontal health status.
Insights
Salivary macrophage-activating factor (MAF) levels increase with periodontal disease severity. MAF shows potential as a biomarker for assessing periodontal tissue destruction and health status.
Area of Science:
- Oral immunology
- Biomarker discovery
- Periodontal disease research
Background:
- Periodontitis involves immune responses and tissue damage mediated by activated macrophages.
- Macrophage-activating factor (MAF) and macrophage-chemotactic factor (MCF) are key mediators in macrophage function.
- Assessing periodontal health status requires reliable diagnostic biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze salivary MAF and MCF levels in individuals with varying periodontal health.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of salivary MAF and MCF for periodontal tissue status.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples were collected from 95 participants across a spectrum of periodontal health.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) quantified salivary MAF and MCF concentrations.
- Periodontal probing depth (PPD) and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were measured.
Main Results:
- Salivary MAF levels showed a progressive increase from healthy to severe periodontitis.
- MAF concentration strongly correlated with PPD (r=0.779) and ABL (r=0.758) in periodontitis patients.
- Salivary MCF levels significantly increased only in periodontitis cases.
Conclusions:
- Salivary MAF levels are positively associated with periodontal tissue destruction.
- MAF is a promising biomarker for assessing the severity of periodontal disease.
- Salivary MAF could aid in monitoring periodontal health status.
