Prostaglandin E2 concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid : observations in untreated chronic periodontitis

Aim of the study

This longitudinal study seeks to evaluate the reasons why PGE2 concentrations increase with the severity of disease.

Materials and methods

Forty-one patients presenting with untreated moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were assessed every 30 days for 150 days. Gingival fluid was collected from 8 test sites with 5-8 mm pocketing. Volume was assessed with a Periotron 6000. The quantity of PGE2 was measured using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) enabled the test and control sites to be compared.

Results

There was a gradual and statistically significant increase in PGE2 concentrations (from 40.3 ng/ml at the beginning to 83.1 ng/ml by day 150, being 106 %). This difference was statistically significant in both relative and absolute terms. The volume of fluid did not alter significantly. The clinical parameters did not vary except that the probing depths reduced slightly. On the other hand, the control sites showed no change over time.

Conclusion

There is a gradual increase in the concentration of PGE2 in gingival fluid with time, even in the absence of disease progression. A concentration/ time model is proposed.

Commentary

The sensitivity and predictability of the PGE2 assessments in gingival fluid has not been determined. That remains to be done.