RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Systemic conditions may affect host susceptibility, disease progression and severity as well as treatment response. Previously, low oestrogen (E(2)) levels were associated with increased bone resorption, due to increased osteoclastogenesis and decreased osteoclast apoptosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an essential cytokine for osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) OPG levels in menopausal and premenopausal patients with or without periodontitis, and effects of phase I periodontal therapy on GCF OPG levels. METHODS: Forty-four systemically healthy premenopausal and menopausal patients were recruited and divided into subgroups of periodontitis and control. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum E(2) levels were measured. Before and after phase I periodontal therapy clinical indices, including clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded, and GCF samples were collected. GCF OPG levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Repeated measurement ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests were used. RESULTS: All clinical indices improved significantly after treatment(p<0.001), except Pre-M/C groups CAL reduction(p>0.05). Periodontitis groups' OPG levels were lower than gingivitis groups(p>0.05). Following periodontal phase I therapy, GCF OPG levels increased markedly in all groups, however this alteration was found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current data revealed that GCF OPG levels were lower in periodontitis patients and phase I therapy resulted with increased GCF OPG levels, however those alterations were statistically insignificant. In addition, present data suggested that menopause do not seem to have a significant effect on periodontal status or response to phase I treatment, within the limits of this study.