RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a type I acute phase protein, which can increase up to 1000 fold after the onset of a stimulus. It is a phylogenetically highly conserved plasma protein with homolog in vertebrates and many invertebrates that participate in systemic response to inflammation. Serum C-reactive protein levels are raised in patients with myocardial infarction and periodontitis, providing a potential mechanism to link destructive periodontal disease with an increased risk for other atherosclerotic complications. The purpose of the present study was to estimate and compare the levels of hs- C Reactive protein in chronic periodontitis patients before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 45 individuals of age group 30-60 years that was divided into two groups Group I (control) and Group II (patients with chronic generalized periodontitis). The clinical parameters such as plaque index, calculus index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and serum hs-CRP levels were recorded for these individuals. RESULTS: The patients with healthy gingiva possessed a mean hs-CRP level of 0.252 ± 0.0393 which was lower as compared to the patients with chronic periodontitis. In periodontitis patients mean levels of hs-CRP was 0.106 ± 0.029 which reduced to 0.044 ± 0.027 after periodontal therapy. A significantly elevated CRP level was found in subjects with periodontitis compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The serum levels of C-reactive protein were elevated in patients with periodontitis and this might be a diagnostic marker for cardiovascular diseases.