Myeloperoxidase activity in saliva and periodontal condition in diabetic children

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate periodontal condition, oral hygiene and level of myeloperoxidase activity in saliva of children with diabetes mellitus type 1. Material and methods: 130 both sex children in age 8-18 years were examined, out of which 80 ill (group A) and 50 healthy (group O). Periodontal condition was evaluated by GI and mod SBI, and oral hygiene using OHI and O`Leary index. In unstimulated mixed saliva total protein - P (by Lowry method) and myeloperoxidase activity – MPO (by Nbs-Cl method) were measured and salivary flow rate – V as well. Moreover, in group A glycosylated haemoglobin - HbA1C and blood glucose levels were recorded at the time of investigations. The data were analysed by ANOVA. Results: The obtained results were as follows: in group A – GI 0.32±0.27, mod SBI 17.9%±23.1, OHI 0.35±0.27, O`Leary 31.1%±22.1, V 0.19±0.10 ml/min, P 1.47±0.62 mg/ml, MPO 1.64±0.71 mIU and in group O 0.20±0.17, 4.4%±8.5, 0.34±0.19, 31.8%±18.3, 0.33±0.19, 1,19±0,42, 0.71±0.32, respectively. In group A in comparison to group O no difference in means of OHI and O`Leary index, significantly higher GI and mod SBI (p<0.01) and significantly lower salivary flow rate (p<0.05), higher protein content (p<0.01) and higher MPO activity (p<0.001) were found. Significant negative correlation between salivary flow rate and MPO was noticed. Positive correlations between GI, mod SBI and HbA1C were observed and glucose concentration as well. Conclusions: The obtained data display in diabetic in comparison to healthy children more advanced gingivitis in the presence of the same plaque accumulation, which is probably connected with the changed of host response against periodontopathogens. They also suggest the increase of myeloperoxidase activity connected with progression of gingivitis.