Hydroxyproline and total protein levels in gingiva from patients treated with phenytoin and cyclosporine-A.

Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and total protein levels were studied in gingiva from patients treated with phenytoin (PHT) and cyclosporine-A (CSA). The study included 5 groups of subjects: PHT and CSA groups with and without gingival overgrowth (PHT-GO+), (PHT-GO-), (CSA-GO+), (CSA-GO-), and periodontally healthy controls (C). After taking clinical measurements, gingival samples were harvested by gingivectomy or excising one or two papillae from the posterior areas. The samples were analyzed biochemically. In the PHT groups, both Hyp and total protein levels were significantly higher than in the C group. The differences between the PHT-GO+ and PHT-GO- groups were not statistically significant. In the CSA groups, total protein levels were significantly higher than in controls while no significant difference was found in Hyp levels. The differences between the CSA-GO+ and CSA-GO- groups were not statistically significant. When the PHT and CSA groups were compared, Hyp levels were significantly higher in the PHT-GO+ group than in the CSA-GO+ group. Total protein level differences between the PHT and CSA groups were not statistically significant. Correlations between age, plaque index, gingival overgrowth index, Hyp and total protein levels were analyzed and most were found not to be statistically significant. PHT appears to stimulate both collagen and total protein synthesis in gingiva while CSA seems to have a stronger effect on total protein synthesis. This suggests that the mechanisms underlying PHT- and CSA-induced gingival overgrowth are different and further comparative studies are needed.

beta 2-Microglobulin levels in serum and saliva of patients with juvenile periodontitis.

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2-m) is a low-molecular-weight protein which has been suggested to play an important role in immune functions. The aim of this study was to determine beta 2-m levels in serum and saliva from patients with juvenile periodontitis (JP) and to compare them with those of periodontally healthy subjects. The study was performed on 11 patients with JP and 10 periodontally healthy controls (C). Clinical measurements were recorded and serum and saliva samples were obtained from the individuals. beta 2-m levels were determined using the ELISA technique. Serum beta 2-m levels were significantly higher in the JP group than in the control group. In saliva, no significant difference in beta 2-m levels between the groups was found. The higher beta 2-m levels in serum in the JP group suggest that beta 2-m may play a role as a systemic factor in the etiology and pathogenesis of JP.

Hydroxyproline and total protein levels in gingiva and gingival crevicular fluid in patients with juvenile, rapidly progressive, and adult periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to compare hydroxyproline (Hyp) and total protein levels both in the gingiva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from juvenile (JP), rapidly progressive (RPP), and adult periodontitis (AP) patients and periodontally healthy controls (C). A total of 60 individuals, 15 from each group, were studied. GCF was obtained before gingival sampling. Clinical measurements were recorded. The gingival samples were harvested by full thickness flap operation from patients and immediately after the extraction of the teeth for orthodontic reasons from controls. The samples were analyzed biochemically. GCF Hyp levels were significantly higher in the AP group than those of the RPP and C groups. The strong positive correlations between gingival and GCF Hyp levels were determined in the disease groups. Total protein levels in both the gingiva and GCF were significantly higher in disease groups. However, the differences between the disease groups were not statistically significant. Correlations between the clinical parameters and Hyp levels in gingiva and GCF were determined. The findings indicate the Hyp and total protein levels both in the gingiva and GCF appeared to be increased in the disease groups. These findings suggest that both the synthesis and degradation of collagen and total protein are elevated in periodontal disease. However, our findings do not support the concept that measurement of either Hyp or total protein levels in gingiva or GCF is a suitable or reliable criterion in determination of disease activity.

Immunoglobulin A levels in serum and saliva of patients treated with phenytoin.

A study was conducted to compare IgA levels in serum and saliva obtained from phenytoin-treated epileptic patients (PHT-TEPs) and a control group and to examine the correlation between IgA levels and clinical parameters. Eighteen epileptic patients treated with phenytoin and 18 periodontally healthy individuals with no systemic disease were included in the study. Clinical parameters were recorded, and samples of serum and saliva were obtained from each individual. IgA levels were determined by the radial immunodiffusion technique. Serum IgA levels were significantly lower in PHT-TEPs. No difference was found in salivary IgA levels between the PHT-TEP and control groups. Weak negative correlations were found between serum IgA level and gingival overgrowth index (GOI), and between salivary IgA level and GOI. None of the clinical parameters was significantly correlated with IgA level in the PHT-TEP group.

Hydroxyproline and total protein levels in gingiva and gingival crevicular fluid in periodontally healthy human subjects.

Age is known to be one of the factors which affect the rate of collagen and protein turnover in the connective tissues of the periodontium. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and total protein in both the gingiva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontally healthy human subjects of two different age groups. The subjects of the young group were selected from among patients scheduled for extraction of upper and lower first or second premolars for orthodontic reasons. The second (older) group included individuals whose teeth were to be extracted for endodontic reasons. GCF was obtained before gingival sampling. The tissues surrounding the sockets were harvested immediately after extraction of the indicated teeth. All samples were analyzed biochemically. No significant difference was found in gingival and GCF levels of Hyp (which is unique to collagen) between the groups. Total protein levels in gingiva were significantly higher in the young group than in the older group. GCF total protein levels showed no significant difference between the groups. The higher gingival protein levels in the younger group seem to conform to previous findings.