Methods: A randomly selected sample of adults (20- 89 years) living in southern Sweden was invited to participate. 451 individuals were examined clinically, 51% women. All were examined using standard examination procedures, and stimulated saliva samples were collected. Salivary concentrations of IL-1β, -6, -8, TNF-α, lysozyme, MMP-8 and TIMP-1 were determined using either ELISA, IFMA or Luminex assays.
Results: Salivary concentrations of IL-1β (p<0.001) and MMP-8 (p<0.001) were elevated in severe periodontitis subjects and the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio was significantly higher in the severe periodontitis group (p<0.001). Smokers compared to non-smokers, showed TNF-α concentrations to be significantly higher (p<0.001) but IL–8 (p<0.05) and MMP-8 (p=0.052) were slightly lower.
Conclusions: The use of certain salivary biomarkers such as IL-1b, MMP-8 and the ratio of MMP-8/ TIMP-1 offer potential detection of periodontal disease in larger patient populations.