Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Leukotriene B 4 in Periodontal Health and Disease

Background: Leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) is a membrane‐derived lipid mediator formed from arachidonic acid. LTB 4 is among the most potent stimulants of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and, thus, participates in tissue injury by recruiting PMNs in a pathophysiologic scenario of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between clinical parameters and concentrations of LTB 4 within gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from inflamed gingiva and periodontitis sites before and after the treatment of periodontitis. Methods: Sixty subjects were divided into three groups with 20 subjects in each group: healthy (group 1), gingivitis (group 2), and chronic periodontitis (group 3). Groups were based on periodontal disease index (PDI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and radiographic evidence of bone loss. Group 4 consisted of the subjects in group 3 at 6 to 8 weeks after treatment, i.e., scaling and root planing (SRP). GCF samples collected from each patient were quantified for LTB 4 using an enzymatic immunometric assay. In addition, the correlation between in situ LTB 4 levels and clinical parameters was analyzed in each group. Results: The highest mean LTB 4 concentration in GCF was observed in group 3 (185.2 pg/μl), and the lowest was observed in group 1 (39.6 pg/μl). Its level in group 3 decreased to 79.35 pg/μl after treatment (group 4). Further, GCF LTB 4 levels in all groups showed a statistically significant positive correlation with PDI and CAL ( P <0.005). Conclusion: The substantial increase in GCF LTB 4 concentrations with the severity of periodontal disease and a concomitant decrease in its level following SRP in subjects with periodontitis suggest a possible role for LTB 4 in the progression of periodontal disease.