Periodontal parameters and platelet-activating factor levels in serum and gingival crevicular fluid in a Chinese population

Abstract

Aim: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent proinflammatory mediator and has been implicated in cardiovascular pathophysiology. The present clinical study assessed the relation between the severity of periodontal disease and PAF levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum.

Methods: A total of 60 non-smoking subjects (21 periodontitis, 19 gingivitis patients and 20 healthy individuals) were included. Probing depth, attachment level, bleeding on probing, plaque index and sulphide levels were recorded at six sites of each tooth. GCF and blood samples were collected from all individuals, and PAF levels were investigated by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay.

Results: The periodontitis group showed significantly higher PAF levels in the serum (329.3+/-287.3 pg/ml) and GCF (21.8+/-7.0 pg/sample) compared with the gingivitis group (138.0+/-77.9 pg/ml, 13.8+/-3.6 pg/sample) and with healthy controls (68.9+/-42.8 pg/ml, 2.4+/-2.7 pg/sample). The differences between patients and controls were statistically significant (p<or=0.05). Positive correlations were observed between PAF levels in GCF and serum and for PAF levels and clinical parameters.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest a role of PAF in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Based on the observed close correlation of GCF and serum PAF levels, future studies are warranted to test the hypothesis of a possible link between periodontitis and adverse systemic events mediated by PAF.