Serum Alkaline Phosphatase and Calcium in Relation to Periodontal Status among Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a physiological phenomenon that occurs in aging women. Periodontal disease is associated with menopausal status. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays a role in general and periodontal bone turnover. Calcium is essential for the maintenance of bone and teeth, and serum ALP and calcium are specific bone markers related to the acceleration of bone mass loss in elderly women and periodontitis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to correlate the levels of serum ALP and calcium with periodontal status in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with periodontitis. Methods: A total of 22 perimenopausal and 49 postmenopausal women underwent a full periodontal examination assessing the pocket depth, number of teeth lost, clinical attachment loss, plaque index, calculus index, and papillary bleeding index. Using these measurements, the subjects were divided according to periodontal severity. Serum ALP and calcium were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. A correlation between serum ALP and calcium to periodontal status was investigated. Results: Serum ALP was significantly correlated with the severity of periodontitis, clinical attachment loss, and the number of teeth lost among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (p < 0.05). Serum calcium levels were not correlated with periodontal status. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women tended to have more periodontal breakdown, and the level of serum ALP was increased in severe periodontitis.