Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva stress hormone levels in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis

Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to analyse cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) and generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) patients, as well as in periodontally healthy individuals (C).

Material and methods: A total of 92 patients (31 C, 34 GCP and 27 GAP) were included in the study. Clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level; psychosocial measurements including Beck depression inventory and state-trait anxiety inventory; and hormone levels in GCF and saliva including cortisol and DHEA were evaluated.

Results: Gingival crevicular fluid cortisol and GCF/saliva DHEA values were significantly higher in the GAP group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The lowest values were in the C group and the difference between the GCP and GAP groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Salivary cortisol levels were comparable for the GAP and GCP groups (p > 0.05), and the C group had the lowest values in comparison with the other two groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, salivary/GCF cortisol and DHEA levels were suggested to be related with more severe and aggressive forms of periodontal disease.