Immunoglobulin G levels in the gingival crevicular fluid of menopausal patients with periodontitis

Abstract

Objective: To measure the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Material and Methods: A total of 158 patients aged >45 years were examined for periodontitis and interviewed regarding their menopausal status. The non-menopause group entailed female patients with periodontitis without menopause (n=23). The menopause group included females who stopped menstruating since >1 year, had a pocket depth of 4–5 mm, and did not have other systemic conditions (n=40). Samples were selected based on periodontal and menopausal status. In total, 63 samples of GCF were collected from the participants and tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for IgG. Results: The median level of IgG in the menopause group was 39.50 mg/mL, whereas that of the non-menopause group was 41.08 mg/mL. There was a positive correlation between the plaque index and IgG level in both groups. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between age and IgG level. However, there was no correlation between plaque index and age regarding the IgG level in both groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The IgG levels in the menopause group were lower than those in the non-menopause group. As such, menopausal females should take great care of their overall health, including the periodontium.