The Relationship between Periodontal Diseases and Plasma Level of Copper and Magnesium

Abstract

Periodontitis is an immuno-inflammatory condition initiated by the dental plaque biofilm. Balanced levels of trace minerals like iron are essential to prevent progression of chronic conditions such as periodontitis. Their excess as well as deficiency is detrimental to periodontal health. The aim of the current study was to find out any possible relationship between copper and magnesium levels in the plasma and periodontal diseases. The sample of the study included 29 patients seeking periodontal treatment. Full record of every patient was completed and the periodontal situation was determined clinically. Blood samples were collected from the patients and transferred to a medical laboratory for blood testing. The records of copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) in plasma were collected. T-test was used to compare the obtained values with the normal ones, and to compare the values obtained in paired samples. The differences were considered significant when P<0.05. The mean levels of copper in plasma were 148.88 mg/dl and 148.56 mg/dl for patients suffering acute gingivitis and chronic gingivitis respectively. The results of T-test showed no significant differences between the records in both patients’ groups. The mean scores of magnesium were 1.85 mg/dl and 2.03 mg/dl for patients suffering acute gingivitis and chronic gingivitis respectively and T-test showed a significant difference between the records. The mean scores of copper were 166.33 mg/dl and 164.83 mg/dl for patients suffering chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis respectively with no statistically significant difference between the records. The mean records of magnesium in plasma were 2.25 mg/dl and 2.48 mg/dl for patients suffering chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis respectively and T-tests showed a significant difference between those records. The records of magnesium and the copper were significantly increased in all patients more than the normal values. The results of the current study showed a remarkable increase of copper and magnesium plasma scores in patients suffering different types of periodontal diseases. More studies to explore the mechanism of magnesium increase in plasma due to periodontal disease are needed. Representing the records of magnesium and copper in plasma as indicators for the severity of periodontal disease might come under future research focus.