Evaluation of galectin-3, peptidylarginine deiminase-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in gingival crevicular fluid for periodontal health, gingivitis and stage III grade C periodontitis: A pilot study

Background Comparing the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of galectin-3, peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in individuals with stage III grade C periodontitis and gingivitis and with healthy periodontium was the purpose of this clinical research. Methods Sixty systemically healthy and non-smoker individuals consisting of stage III grade C periodontitis (group S3P/n = 20), gingivitis (group G/n = 20), and periodontally healthy (group HP/n = 20) were recruited for this research. Clinical parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index, plaque index, and bleeding on probing were recorded in periodontal charts. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used in evaluating the GCF levels of galectin-3, PAD4, and TNF-alpha for study groups. Results The GCF galectin-3 total amount was highest in group S3P compared with group G and group HP (P <0.05). Its total amount was also higher in group G compared with group HP (P <0.05). The GCF PAD4 total amount was higher in group S3P compared with group HP (P <0.05) but was similar with group G (P >0.05). Its total amounts were also similar in group G and group HP (P >0.05). The GCF TNF-alpha total amounts were similar in group S3P and group G (P >0.05) but significantly greater than the group HP (P <0.05). The GCF galectin-3, PAD4, and TNF-alpha concentrations were lower in the group S3P and group G compared with the group HP (P <0.05). There were significant positive correlations between GCF galectin-3 total amount and all clinical parameters (P <0.01) and also between GCF galectin-3 and TNF-alpha total amounts (P <0.01). There was no correlation between PAD4 and clinical parameters, or between PAD4 and TNF-alpha (P >0.05). Conclusions Galectin-3 and PAD4 may be involved in the periodontal disease pathogenesis considering the elevated levels of these molecules in periodontal disease. These biomarkers may be used in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases.

Automated summary

This clinical research compared the GCF levels of galectin-3, PAD4, and TNF-alpha in individuals with stage III grade C periodontitis, gingivitis, and healthy periodontium. The study found that galectin-3 levels were elevated in periodontitis, while PAD4 and TNF-alpha levels showed no significant difference between gingivitis and healthy periodontium. Galectin-3 may be associated with periodontal disease pathogenesis and can be used as a diagnostic biomarker.