Influence of Periodontitis and Coronary Heart Disease on Galectin-3

Influence of Periodontitis and Coronary Heart Disease on Galectin-3 in Serum and Saliva

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between serum and salivary Galectin-3 levels in patients with periodontitis. Furthermore, the objective was to determine if the periodontitis influenced serum and salivary Galectin-3 levels

Healthy controls (n=38), patients with CHD (n=39), periodontitis (n=40), and a combination of periodontitis + CHD (n=38) were enrolled in the present study. The analyzed sample undergo a demographical, clinical and periodontal evaluation and serological analyses including Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and for serum and salivary Galectin-3 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
• Intake of immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory drugs throughout the last three months prior to the study
• Status of pregnancy or lactation
• Previous history of excessive drinking
• Allergy to local anaesthetic
• Intake of drugs that may potentially determine gingival hyperplasia such as Hydantoin, Nifedipine, Cyclosporin A or similar drugs.