Effects of Gum Disease Treatment on Host Defense Factors

Human immune system produces many different factors, which will influence health-disease statuses. This partially explains why under similar conditions only some people become sick. Therefore, specific analyses of such factors in healthy and diseased patients are crucial for a better knowledge about diseases development and successful treatments. Human beta defensins (hBD) may have a key role in patient's susceptibility to gum diseases. In the lab, high levels of sugar (glucose) could inhibit their expression and contribute to the occurrence of infections associated with diabetic wounds. This study will evaluate if treatment of the most common gum disease in adults influences production of beta defensins by gingiva. Also, clinical improvements and treatment effects on blood glycemic levels will be monitored throughout a 2-month period. Patients with or without gum diseases and with or without diabetes mellitus will be able to participate. After a complete oral examination to determine periodontal status, gingival fluid samples will be collected using paper strips. These samples will be collected before and also two-months after oral treatment and will be analyzed by an immune-enzymatic test named ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). In weekly sections, one trained specialist will performed treatment of gum diseases under local anesthesia using hand-instruments. Researchers hypothesized that a) levels of defensins would be lower in the presence of periodontal disease when compared to a healthy periodontal condition; b) diabetes would influence production of these immune protective factors; and c) treatment would provide a greater beneficial amount of defensins.