Impact of Smoking on Neutrophil Enzyme Levels in Gingivitis: A Case-Control Study

The determination of the impact of risk factors such as smoking in periodontal disease development is of importance to better characterize the disease. However, its impact on host response remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tobacco smoking on GCF levels of neutrophil enzymes (myeloperoxidase (MPO), beta-glucuronidase (BGD), neutrophil elastase (NE) and periodontal parameters in healthy young adults with dental plaque biofilm-induced gingivitis.

The study population consisted of 60 systemically healthy young adults (39 smokers (Sm) and 21 non-smokers (n-Sm)) diagnosed with plaque-induced gingivitis. The periodontal examination consisted of a plaque index (PI); gingival index (GI); probing depth (PD); bleeding on probing (BoP), and clinical attachment level (CAL). GCF MPO, BGD, and NE levels were determined by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

PI, GI, and BoP were significantly increased in the Sm group (p < 0.05). PD and CAL showed no significant difference between Sm and n-Sm groups (p > 0.05). In GCF, MPO, BGD, and NE levels were significantly increased in Sm group (p < 0.05). NE levels showed a significant correlation with GI and BoP (p < 0.05 for both). Moreover, a positive correlation between BGD and NE levels (p < 0.05) was measured.

It may be concluded that, even in young patients, tobacco consumption affects the host's immune response related to gingival inflammation. It is, therefore, mandatory to inform young patients about the risk related to tobacco consumption for their gingival health.