Analysis of Circulating Progenitor Cells Levels in Periodontal Disease Patients
Analysis of Circulating Progenitor Cells Levels in Periodontal Disease Patients
Recently, a key role played in the ethiology of periodontitis has been highlighted by a subtype of stem cells derived from bone marrow, the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs possess the ability to express surface antigens of endothelial and hematopoietic stem cells and to assist in maintaining vascular integrity and the repair mechanism of the endothelium. Among the main markers for the analysis of EPCs levels are CD34+, CD133+ and the kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR). CD34+ and CD133+ originate from hematopoietic stem cell antigens whereas KDR is a specific marker of endothelial cells. More specifically, CD34+ and CD133+/ KDR+ allows less mature and mature EPCs to be evaluated.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) levels subtype (CD133+/KDR+), in patients with periodontitis.
Furthermore, the objective was to determine if the periodontal status influenced CD133+/KDR+ levels.
Inclusion Criteria:
Presence of at least 16 teeth
CP with a minimum of 40% of sites with a clinical attachment level (CAL)
≥2mm and probing depth (PD) ≥4mm;
Presence of at least ≥2 mm of crestal alveolar bone loss verified on digital periapical radiographs
Presence of ≥40% sites with bleeding on probing (BOP)
Exclusion Criteria:
Intake of contraceptives