The association between vitamin D binding protein levels and periodontal status: A systematic review

Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is biosynthesised in the liver and is predominantly expressed in serum. Its primary role centres on facilitating the systemic transportation of vitamin D and its metabolites, notably 25-hydroxyvitamin D, to specific target tissues where vitamin D exerts its biological functions. Due to the paucity of studies, it is unclear whether there is an association between DBP and periodontal status and thus its potential use as a diagnostic biomarker. Therefore, the aim of the systematic review is to investigate the association between DBP in periodontal disease.

Two independent reviewers (YD and RG) performed a systematic literature search of English publications using several databases including MEDLINE (OVID interface, 1946 onwards), EMBASE (OVID interface, 1974 onwards), and Global Health (OVID interface, 1973 onwards). This search strategy enabled the identification of relevant publications and the development of a comprehensive library of studies. Studies were included based on previously agreed eligibility criteria. Of the eight studies included as part of this systematic review, seven were case-control studies and one was a cross-sectional study. The quality assessment was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for case-control studies and the modified NOS for the cross-sectional study.

The NOS quality assessment was 'favorable' for 6 included case control studies; and 'fair' for one study. The modified NOS quality assessment for the single cross-sectional study demonstrated a medium risk of bias. The results of the majority of the included studies indicated a statistically significant higher concentration of DBP levels in individuals with periodontitis in comparison to those who were periodontally healthy. This trend held true irrespective of the sampling method employed for the assessment of DBP concentration.

The results summarised in this systematic review indicate a positive association between DBP and periodontitis. Nonetheless, there is a need for longitudinal, prospective trials, to confirm the use of DBP as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of periodontitis.