Adhesion molecule expression following non-surgical treatment in aggressive periodontitis patients

Chronic infections such as periodontitis lead to massive leucocytosis and inflammation which is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Cellular adhesion molecules regulate the adhesion, migration and extravasation of leucocytes to the foci of inflammation. Objective: The study investigates the effect of periodontal treatment on the expression of inflammatory markers such as serum ICAM-1, E-selectin as well as C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Material and Methods: 27 aggressive periodontitis patients (mean 34.6±4.3yrs) underwent subgingival scaling and root planing (S&RP) followed by random assignment to a 14d regimen of doxycycline (100mg/d) or 10d regimen of a combination of amoxycyline (3x 500mg/d) and metronidazole (3x 250 mg/d). Clinical measurements included pocket probing depth (PPD), attachment level (CAM) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Serum samples were collected at baseline (T1), following the oral hygiene phase (T2), following last S&RP session (T3), 2 months past S&RP and before antibiotic treatment (T4), 3 months (T5) and 6 months (T6) following antibiotic treatment. CRP levels were determined by immunoturbimetric assay and ICAM-1 and E-Selectin expression by ELISA. Results: All patients showed significant improvements in BOP (33.3% to 8.5%, p<0.001), PPD (1.7mm overall reduction, p<0.001 ) and CAL (0.9mm gain, p<0.001) from baseline (T1) to completion of the study (T6).E-selectin was significantly (p<0.009) reduced 6 months past antibiotic treatment(T6)compared to baseline. ICAM-1 as well as CRP were not affected by periodontal treatment. Conclusion: Non-surgical periodontal treatment seems to be effective in lowering E-selectin expression, thus decreasing initial adhesion and rolling of leucocytes on the endothelium. Supported by DFG, GK-325