Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid Preand Post-scaling and Root Planing with Adjunctive Tetracycline Fibers in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: This split-mouth clinical study aimed to investigate levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients preand post-scaling and root planing (SRP) with or without adjunctive use of tetracycline fibers. Materials and methods: In 30 patients of chronic periodontitis, samples of GCF were collected from the gingival sulcus before SRP. Recording of clinical parameters was conducted. This was followed by local drug delivery (LDD) of tetracycline fibers in test sites. In control sites, no LDD was done. Second samples of GCF were taken 90 days after treatment. Samples of crevicular fluid were analyzed to determine the levels of α2m. Results: A gain of clinical attachment (CAL) of 3.30 mm for SRP and LDD and for SRP alone was 1.62 mm (p<0.001). The pocket probing depth was significantly decreased by 2.43 mm for SRP and LDD and for SRP alone was 1.61 mm (p<0.001) after 90 days. Alpha-2-macroglobulin was significantly reduced in GCF by SRP and SRP and LDD after 90 days (p<0.001). Conclusion: Clinical and biochemical variables showed a more favorable outcome when SRP was combined with LDD of tetracycline fibers in management of patients suffering from chronic periodontitis.