Work

Clinical evaluation of salivary neopterin levels across periodontal disease severity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Periodontitis involves the destruction of the supporting tissues and alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. Neopterin is an inflammatory biomarker associated with periodontal disease. This study aimed to assess salivary neopterin levels across different periodontal conditions and evaluate their relationship with clinical parameters. Methods Sixty systemically healthy participants were divided into 4 groups (15/group): healthy (control group), gingivitis, mild periodontitis, and moderate periodontitis (test groups) based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Clinical parameters recorded were the gingival index, periodontal disease index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before treatment (baseline). After scaling and root planing, unstimulated saliva was again collected after 60 days from patients in the test groups. Neopterin levels were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Baseline mean salivary neopterin levels were higher with the severity of the disease. After 60 days, neopterin levels remained higher with increasing disease severity stages but decreased significantly from baseline in all the test groups. Although no correlation was found between neopterin and clinical parameters, in the gingivitis group, neopterin was significantly correlated to probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level at baseline and with gingival and periodontal disease indexes after 60 days. Conclusions Salivary neopterin may be used as a potential biomarker to differentiate between periodontal disease stages and monitor treatment response. However, because of interindividual variability and the cross-sectional nature of disease group comparisons, further studies are needed to validate its role and clinical applicability.

Source: JADA Foundational Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfscie.2026.100085

Authors: Sashi Rekha Kosuri, Srikanth Chintalapani, Kiran Kumar Nagubandi, Ramesh Babu Mutthineni, Venkata Yudhistar Palla, Neema Kumari

Institutions: Mamata Medical College, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Malla Reddy Institute Of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500