Comparison of Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Serum Human Beta-Defensin Levels Between Periodontal Health and Disease

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2), an antimicrobial peptide that takes roles in inflammatory diseases, in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Subjects and Methods A total of one hundred and one individuals, 59 controls and 42 patients with CP, participated in this study. Clinical index measurements were recorded during the periodontal examination, and radiographic evaluation was also performed. The serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken from all of the participants, and the hBD-2 levels were determined biochemically by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In our study, hBD-2 GCF levels in CP (stages II-IV periodontitis based on the new 2018 classification of periodontal diseases) group (2.77 ng/30 s) were higher than in the periodontally healthy (2.51 ng/30 s;p = .047) individuals. In contrast, serum hBD-2 levels in CP (2.92 ng/ml) were lower compared with those in healthy controls (7.75 ng/ml,p < .001). Conclusion Interestingly, our results showed that while higher hBD-2 GCF levels are associated with CP, lower serum hBD-2 levels were detected in CP.