The site-specific nature of the volumetric features and enzymatic profile of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF): Analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity at distinct sampling sites

The site-specific nature of the volumetric features and enzymatic profile of gingivalcrevicular fluid (GCF): Analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity at distinct samplingsites. Purpose: Further clarification of the biodynamics and the site-specific nature ofgingival crevicular fluid (GCF), in terms of volume and content, may serve both for abetter understanding of periodontal pathogenesis and developing reliable diagnostic tools.Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze, on a site-specific basis, the potentialvariances in GCF volume and its myeloperoxidase (MPO) content and the relationship ofthese two measures with the clinical periodontal status.Methods: At a total of 719 sites, representing either clinical periodontal health(n=175), or gingivitis (n=308), or periodontitis (n=236), clinical parameters wererecorded, GCF samples were obtained and MPO activity was spectrophotometricallydetermined. Statistical analyses considered the comparison of the three periodontalconditions, multi-rooted or single-rooted teeth, and mesio-buccal (MB) and disto-buccal(DB) sites, and the correlations among the clinical parameters, GCF volume and MPOactivity.Results: There were clear differences between all site-analysis and analysis ofdistinct sites. For all sites clinical parameters, GCF volume, and GCF MPO activitygenerally presented with a disease-related spectrum; healthy<gingivitis<periodontitis(p<0.05). However, differences in GCF volume and MPO profile between multi-rootedand single-rooted sites and between MB and DB sites were observed (p<0.05). Site-specific differences were also observed regarding the presence/absence of GCF and MPOand correlations.Clinical Significance: The site-specific nature of periodontal diseases and theapparent variances in both the GCF volume and its enzymatic profile at the individualsites needs to be taken into account for a precise GCF-methodology and also for thecorrect interpretation of the GCF-related data.