Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Sclerostin, Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL in Health, Disease and After Treatment

All individuals underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination, which included probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP). Individuals were categorized into three groups: individuals with clinically healthy periodontium (group 1), patients with chronic periodontitis (group 2), and group 3 consisted of the patients with chronic periodontitis (group 2), treated by scaling and root planning. GCF samples in grup 1 were taken at baseline. In group 2, GCF samples were taken before and after non- surgical periodontal treatment. Sclerostin, OPG and RANKL levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Inclusion criteria

• Criteria for the healthy group were GI = 0, PPD and CAL ≤ 3 mm, and no signs of attachment and bone loss
• Criteria for the chronic periodontitis group were clinical signs of inflammation, such as red color and swelling of the gingival margin, GI ≥ 2, PPD and CAL ≥ 5 mm with bone loss (>30% of the existing teeth)

Exclusion criteria

• Aggressive periodontitis, systemic diseases (i.e., diabetes mellitus, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, bone-related diseases that compromise sclerostin, OPG or RANKL levels and collagen-metabolic diseases, or disorders), chronic high-dose steroid therapy, radiation or immunosuppressive therapy, allergy or sensitivity to any drug, pregnancy, lactation, and current smoking, smoking within the past 5 years. The individuals had no history of periodontal therapy or drug therapy (e.g. anti-inflammatory, antibiotic treatment or any other pharmacological treatment) for at least six months.