Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on superoxide dismutase
levels in gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis patients: A clinical and
spectophotometric analysis
Affiliations: Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Dr.
DY Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Note: [] Corresponding author: Rahul Kathariya, Department of
Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Dr. DY Patil Dental College and Hospital,
Pimpri, Pune – 400018, Maharashtra, India. Tel.: +91 8983370741; E-mail:
rkathariya@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant acting
against superoxide (oxygen radical, O_{2}^{.-}), it is
released in inflammatory pathways and causes connective tissue breakdown.
Increased SOD activity in inflamed gingiva may indicate increased
O_{2}^{.-} radical generation by neutrophils and other
inflammatory cells at the diseased site. The aim of the study was to evaluate
the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on SOD levels in
gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis patients. METHODS: Forty subjects: 20 periodontally healthy (Control) and 20
chronic periodontitis (Test); age range 24–55 years were recruited.
Gingival tissue samples were collected by excising the inner lining of the
periodontal pocket at baseline (prior to non-surgical periodontal therapy) and
2 months post therapy. In controls, tissue samples were obtained immediately
after tooth extraction scheduled for orthodontic reasons. Clinical parameters
included probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index, bleeding
index, plaque index. SOD activities were assessed spectrophotometrically at
baseline and 2 months post NSPT, results were analysed statistically. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with chronic periodontitis had higher
mean SOD activity (2.73 ± 1.36) than the control subjects (1.12 ±
1.13) with p=0.00003 (p< 0.05). At 2 months post NSPT median SOD level
(1.00) had come close to median SOD value of control group (0.85); p=0.99
(p> 0.05). The resolution of inflammation with successful NSPT resulted in
decreased SOD levels as in control group. Clinical parameters in patients with
chronic periodontitis showed a significant improvement 2 months post NSPT
(p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly improves
the clinical parameters and restores previously increased SOD levels to normal
in chronic periodontitis patients.
