Salivary and Serum Markers Related to Innate Immunity in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis

Host inflammatory and immune responses play an important role in aggressive periodontitis (AgP). Thus, this study aims to evaluate levels of the innate immunity-related markers calprotectin, colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 in serum and saliva from patients with generalized AgP and those with gingivitis or a healthy periodontium.

This study enrolled 40 individuals (17 males and 23 females; mean age 33.30 ± 9.31 years), 15 with generalized AgP, 15 with gingivitis, and 10 who were periodontally healthy. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were performed, and serum and saliva were collected. Levels of calprotectin, CSF-1, MIF, MIG, and MMP-8 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

In serum, mean levels of calprotectin were 2.06-fold higher in patients with AgP than in healthy patients (P = 0.01). Serum levels of MMP-8 were significantly elevated in patients with AgP compared with both healthy patients and those with gingivitis, by 2.60-fold and 2.77-fold, respectively (P = 0.03 and P = 0.009, respectively). In saliva, levels of MMP-8 were 5.66-fold higher in patients with AgP than in healthy patients (P = 0.02). CSF-1, MIF, and MIG levels in both serum and saliva did not differ significantly among the groups.

Serum levels of calprotectin and MMP-8 are elevated in patients with AgP. MMP-8 levels are also increased in saliva from patients with AgP. These results support involvement of innate immune response in the pathogenesis of AgP.