Salivary melatonin and total antioxidant capacity in reproductive and postmenopausal women

Background: Periodontal inflammation causes an increased production of reactive oxidative stress leading to the production of reactive oxidative species, which causes tissue damage. Various studies have shown that Melatonin hormone is a potent antioxidant. Aim: To assess and compare the total antioxidant capacity and melatonin hormone level in saliva of healthy women, women with chronic periodontitis in reproductive and postmenopausal age groups, so as to render a comprehensive treatment in future. Materials and Methods: Total of 80 women were selected and divided into 4 groups. 20 aged 24-35 yr as group A with GI <1, 20 as group B aged 24-35 yr with GI ≥1 and CAL ≥3 mm. 20 aged 47-55 yrs as group C with GI <1 and 20 aged 47-55 yrs as group D with GI ≥1 and CAL ≥3 mm. Saliva samples were collected from all the groups and estimated for Total Antioxidant Levels and Melatonin hormone. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical analysis: The data obtained was subjected to student t test. Results: In the present study, there was significant reduction in both parameters in women with periodontitis when compared to healthy groups in both age groups with statistical significance P < 0.005 in reproductive age group. Conclusion: Salivary Melatonin could be used not only as one of the markers of the periodontal disease progression but also could be employed as an adjunct to traditional periodontal therapy in the therapeutic front owing to its protective nature