Background: Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a multifactorial protein involved in immunity and inflammation, which is rapidly produced and released by several cell types in response to inflammatory signals. The aim of the present study is to evaluate saliva, serum levels of PTX3, interleukin (IL)-1β in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP), and periodontally healthy individuals.
Methods: A total of 94 participants (25 patients with AgP, 25 patients with CP, and 44 periodontally healthy individuals matched with AgP and CP groups) were recruited. Saliva and serum samples were collected. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. PTX3, IL-1β levels in serum, and saliva samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were tested statistically using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman ρ rank test.
Results: Serum and saliva data were similar in CP and AgP groups. Saliva levels of IL-1β were significantly higher in the AgP and CP groups than controls (P <0.05). Salivary PTX3 levels were similar in the CP and control groups. Significantly higher salivary concentrations of PTX3 were detected in the AgP group than the control group (P <0.05). Saliva PTX3 levels correlated with plaque index and bleeding on probing in the CP group (P <0.05). Serum and saliva PTX3 levels correlated with those of IL-1β in the AgP group (P <0.05).
Conclusions: It may be suggested that PTX3 is related with periodontal tissue inflammation. Its salivary concentrations may have a diagnostic potential. Additional intervention and follow-up studies coupling PTX3 concentrations with microbiologic analysis would better clarify its role in periodontal diseases.