Assessment of the Salivary level of Sphingosine kinases-1 in periodontitis and its correlation with periodontal parameters

Abstract

One of the key molecules in the conversion of sphingosine to sphingosine-1- phosphate is SPHK-1, also known as Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SPHK-1). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid that acts as a signaling molecule and plays an essential role in inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses. S1P has recently been identified as a mediator and a biomarker in inflammatory bone diseases such as osteoporosis and inflammatory osteolysis based on the biological effects of S1P in osteoclastic and osteoblastic cells and immune cells. According to recent research, S1P may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, an inflammatory bone-destructive condition. This study assesses the salivary level SPHK-1 in periodontitis and its correlation with periodontal parameters. The study sample consisted of 65 participants, both males and females. It was divided into three groups: the first group, the Healthy Control group (15 Subjects). The second group, Periodontitis Stage II (25 Subjects), and the third group, Periodontitis Stage III (25 Subjects). Collection of whole unstimulated salivary samples from all participants was carried out, followed by an examination of clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level). Then, radiographs confirmed the staging of periodontitis. Collected saliva was subjected to biomarker analysis using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the SPHK-1 level. This study found an increase in the mean SPHK-1 level with increased severity of periodontitis with a significant difference. In addition, positive weak correlations were found between the salivary SPHK-1 and the clinical periodontal parameters (PLI, BOP, PPD, CAL). The study demonstrated that the salivary SPHK-1 level can be helpful to monitor periodontal disease progression. Keywords: Periodontitis, Saliva, Sphingosine -1 phosphate, Sphingosine kinase1.