Host Modulatory Effects of β-glucan on Localized Aggressive Periodontitis

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of β-glucan supplementation to non-surgical periodontal therapy in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) patients.

Method: 30 subjects were randomly and equally assigned to receive scaling and root planing; either with placebo pills (Group I) or β-glucan (100 mg/once a day) (Group II), for 40 days. Subjects were clinically monitored on day 0 and day 91. Gingival samples were harvested from hopeless teeth sites to be investigated histologically and immunohistochemically using matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and 9 antibodies form each patient; at the same time intervals.

Inclusion criteria

• Except for periodontitis, patients were systemically healthy as evaluated by modified Cornell medical index.
• No more than two teeth other than first molars and incisors, with probing depth (PD) ≥ 5mm, bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥ 5mm.
• Rapid rate of attachment loss and bone destruction.
• A radiographic examination revealing an evidence of moderate to severe vertical bone loss around permanent incisors and first molar teeth.
• Every patient should have at least 20 teeth excluding third (3rd) molars, and at least an extraction-indicated tooth for a dento-periodontal affection.
• Familial aggregation.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous subgingival scaling and root planing, allergy to β-glucan, smoking, former smoking, pregnancy, need of antibiotic coverage for routine dental therapy, antibiotic therapy in the previous 6 months and allergy to chlorhexidine.