The Leptin Levels Of Obese And Normal Weight Adolescents With Healthy Gingiva And Gingivitis: Effects Of Periodontal Therapy On The Parameters

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of our study was to assess the role of leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, in the association of obesity and periodontal disease.Material and Methods:Fifty-six adolescents volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were divided into two groups (obese / normal) and each group was then divided into two subgroups (gingivitis /healthy gingiva). All of the adolescents were measured for clinical indexes such as plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). Levels of leptin in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples and serum leptin levels were determined in blood samples by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Blood leptin concentration (BLC) was higher in obese subjects than normal weight subjects (p<0.001). Although not statistically significant, BLC was higher in subjects with gingivitis (p=0.68) and decreasedafter periodontal therapy (p=0.90). GCF leptin concentration (GLC) levels were also higher in subjects with healthy gingiva (p=0.003) and the obese group (p=0.78), and it increased significantly after periodontal therapy (p<0.001). PI was positively correlated with BLC, PI and GI was negatively correlated with GLC, BLC and GLC were negatively correlated. Conclusion:Whilethe periodontal disease progressed, there was a decrease in GCF leptin concentration and an increase in blood leptin concentration. This observation suggests that leptin may be a protective agent for gingiva. Greater decrease of GCF leptin concentration in obese subjects with gingivitis than in normal weight subjects with gingivitis can be evidence that disease can be more severe in obesesubjects.