Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in saliva of patients with different periodontal conditions

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in saliva measured by Reflotron™ System of Diagnosis and periodontal condition indicated by Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Material and methods: Fifteen patients were assigned to one of four groups C0, C1, C3 and C4, based on their largest CPITN code among the examined sites, totaling 60 participants. About 1.0 ml of non-stimulated saliva was collected from the individuals after a mouth rinse with water. Biochemical analyses of saliva samples were carried out using the proposed system in order to quantify their AST concentration. Results: There were no significant differences between levels (U/ml) of AST (median; interquartile range) from groups C0 (30.9; 14.7-41.7), C1 (30.3; 19.5-39.4) and C3 (35.1; 27.0-63.5). However, group C4 (106.2; 84.4-129.7) differed statistically from the others (p < 0.001) and presented AST levels as high as 284.2 U/ml. Gingival bleeding and suppuration were observed in three individuals with concentrations higher than 125.0 U/ml. Conclusion: Levels of AST in saliva from patients presenting CPITN code 4 were higher than from patients coded lower and could be detected by the evaluated diagnostic system. Periodontal destruction such as periodontal pockets, gingival bleeding and suppuration seems to be related to higher AST levels in saliva.