Gingival status, crevicular fluid tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 levels in pregnancy versus post-partum.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate a possible link between periodontal status of pregnant women and the plasminogen activator system in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). METHODS: GCF samples were obtained from four interproximal sites of anterior teeth in 43 women during the second trimester and also after delivery. Full mouth dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) values were recorded at six sites/tooth in each subject. GCF levels of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor, plasminogen activator-inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) were determined by ELISA. Data comparisons between pregnancy and post-partum were made by Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The number of pockets with a PD>4 mm and total volume of GCF sampled were reduced significantly after delivery (p=0.000 and p=0.013, respectively). No significant differences were detected in GCF concentrations of t-PA or PAI-2 between pregnancy and post-partum. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that GCF t-PA and PAI-2 concentrations are not affected by pregnancy. Reductions in PD values and GCF volume following delivery indicate a resolution of oedema in gingival tissues, possibly related to hormonal changes due to the ending of pregnancy.

The effect of adjunctive chlorhexidine mouthrinse on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid cytokine levels in untreated plaque-associated gingivitis.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To examine the effectiveness of chlorhexidine mouthrinse (CHX) in addition to daily plaque control on gingival inflammation. METHODS: Fifty gingivitis patients were randomized to CHX or placebo groups. In addition to proper plaque control, CHX group rinsed with CHX, while placebo group rinsed with placebo mouthrinse for 4 weeks. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected and clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), calculus index and probing depth (PD) were recorded at baseline and repeated at 4 week. GCF IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, and IL-8 levels were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Whole mouth clinical parameters were significantly improved in both groups at 4 weeks. CHX group showed greater reduction in the mean PI scores than placebo at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). GCF IL-8 levels of anterior sites significantly reduced in CHX and placebo group at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). GCF IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1Ra levels remained unchanged at 4 weeks in both groups. GCF cytokine levels of CHX group were similar to those of placebo at 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, CHX mouthrinse as adjuncts to daily plaque control could be useful in management of plaque-associated gingivitis, although ineffective on GCF cytokine levels.