Altered levels of salivary biochemical markers in periodontitis

Purpose: To investigate the association between periodontitis and levels of biochemical markers as well as enzyme activity. Methods: Unstimulated whole saliva samples were obtained from 30 patients with periodontitis. Biochemical factors including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), uric acid (UA), and lactoferrin, as well as beta-hexosaminidase (beta-HEX) activity were measured. Results: The levels of a salivary oxidant such as MDA and NO were statistically significantly higher in periodontitis patients than to that of healthy individuals. Similarly, the results indicated elevated levels of lactoferrin and beta-HEX activity in saliva of the periodontitis group, which was statistically significant when compared to the controls. While the levels of an enzymatic antioxidant such as SOD were higher in the periodontitis patients than in the control subjects, uric acid levels were statistically significantly lower in the saliva of the periodontitis patients than in the healthy controls.