A longitudinal analysis of volatile fatty acids in human GCF

Objectives: To observe and analyze the change of volatile fatty acids in gingival crevicular fluid of patient with periodontitis before and after periodontal treatment. Methods: 74 GCF samples were taken from 14 patients with chronic periodontitis before periodontal treatment and the second week, the second month, the fourth month and the sixth month after treatment. The levels of seven organic acids (formic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isovaleric acid) were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Results: Two weeks after periodontal initial treatment, the concentrations of lactic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isovaleric acid in GCF of patients decreased significantly comparing with before treatment (p<0.05), while the level of formic acid increased significantly (p<0.05). In the longitudinal observation after treatment, the concentrations of butyric acid and isovaleric acid in GCF increased to a high level at the second month after treatment (mean butyric acid and isovaleric acid: 1.26±1.15 and 1.06±0.61 mmol/L at 2 weeks, and 3.94±2.13 and 6.81±5.05 mmol/L at 2 months) and maintained higher levels at the fourth month and the sixth month. With time elapsing, the concentration of formic acid in GCF decreased gradually (mean formic acid: 11.05±6.38 mmol/L at two weeks, 9.24±6.45 mmol/L at 6 months after treatment). Conclusions: The levels of butyric acid and isovaleric acid in GCF of patients with chronic periodontitis decreased significantly after periodontal treatment, which may reflect the status of subgingival bacteria. These two fatty acids could be used as indicators in the developing and progressing of preiodontitis. The level of formic acid in GCF has a negative relationship with the severity of periodontitis. The present study was supported by the Special Funds for Promotion of Education, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, P.R.C.