Changes in cellular and molecular components of peripheral blood in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE

The association between periodontitis and systemic health is evident; however, until recently, there has been a lack of scientific evidence to define the relationship between aggressive periodontitis and systemic conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the white blood cell count and levels of serum proteins in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) and to compare it with periodontally-healthy controls.

METHODS

Patients with GAP (n = 60) and periodontally-healthy controls (n = 60) were recruited. Clinical parameters, including probing depth and clinical attachment level, were examined. Blood cell variables, including leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, and serum protein parameters, including total protein, albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), ALB/GLB (A/G) ratio, and C-reactive protein levels, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The results showed a statistically-significant increase in neutrophil numbers and serum GLB and C-reactive protein levels in patients with GAP compared to the controls (P < 0.001), whereas the ALB level and A/G ratio were significantly lower compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed possible changes in the cellular and molecular components of peripheral blood in patients with GAP compared to periodontally-healthy controls. These changes might represent the contribution of periodontal infections to systemic inflammation in relatively young individuals.