ABSTRACT
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Our effort in improving periodontal disease is to reduce destructive mediators. One of the Biomarkers is osteoprotegrin [OPG]. OPG is a protein which prevents osteoclast activity. The aim of this study was evaluationof osteoprotegrin [OPG] concentration in saliva of patients with generalized moderate chronic periodontitis and comparing it with that of healthy individuals. This study was carried out on 30 patients [15 patients with chronic periodontitis and 15 patients as the control group] referred to Ahvaz Jundishapour dental school. Saliva samples were collected and examined by ELISA. The data were analyzed by t-test. Mean OPG concentration in patients and control group were 117.63 +/- 84.13 mg/dl and 210.81 +/- 170.69 mg/dl respectively. The difference was not significant. It appears that OPG concentration in saliva cannot be used as a marker for the assessment of periodontal disease