Interrelationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis and complement C3 and factor B Levels in chronic periodontitis individuals

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum levels of complement C3 and factor B and their correlation with Porphyromonas gingivalis levels in chronic periodontitis (CP) individuals. Materials and Methods: Thirty individuals were divided into three groups. Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing depth (PD) and Clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded and P. gingivalis levels were measured at baseline in Group I (periodontally healthy) and II( chronic periodontits) and 3 months post scaling and root planning (SRP) in Group III subjects. Serum and GCF samples were collected from all the individuals at baseline 3-month post-SRP to evaluate complement C3 and complement factor B levels by spectrophotometer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Levels of P. gingivalis were determined by anaerobic culture. Results: Complement C3 and factor B levels in serum and GCF along with P. gingivalis levels in plaque samples showed statistical significance between the groups (P < 0.001). SRP resulted in decrease in C3, factor B, and P. gingivalis levels after 3 months in CP group at P < 0001. Among the periodontal parameters, PD showed significant correlation with biochemical and microbiological parameters in both the groups before and after periodontal therapy. Conclusion: P. gingivalis correlated strongly with factor B values in CP and SRP resulted in reduction of these values suggesting a possible modulation of alternate complement pathway by P. gingivalis.