E-cadherin and TAC in GCF accurately discriminate periodontal health and disease

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) E-cadherin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to discriminate periodontal health from disease. 

Subjects and Methods: GCF samples were collected from participants with periodontal health (control), gingivitis, and periodontitis (n = 25 each group). The latter group was further subdivided according to stage (S) and grade. Periodontal parameters were recorded then levels of biomarkers were assayed using ELISA and antioxidant status by use of the Total Antioxidant Capacity Assay for E-cadherin and TAC, respectively. 

Results: All periodontal parameters were significantly higher in periodontally diseased groups than controls. The GCF E-cadherin significantly increased in gingivitis and periodontitis (S2 to S4) cases as compared to controls. Level of this protein in GCF samples from periodontitis S3 was significantly higher than in gingivitis and S2 groups. The GCF-TAC level was significantly higher in controls than in periodontally diseased groups. No significant differences were observed in the levels of these proteins between grade B and C periodontitis. Both molecules could discriminate periodontal health from gingivitis and periodontitis stages and differentiating periodontitis S3 from gingivitis and other periodontitis stages. 

Conclusions: Levels of TAC and unbounded E-cadherin in GCF samples exhibited promising diagnostic abilities to differentiate periodontal health and disease.