Gingival crevicular fluid levels of sclerostin in chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects

Objectives: Chronic periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that causes destruction of periodontal tissues and bone around the teeth. Sclerostin is a protein encoded by the SOST gene. In this study, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of sclerostin in patients with chronic periodontitis were compared with those of healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 40 subjects were enrolled and divided into the healthy group (n=23) and chronic periodontitis group (n=17). GCF samples were collected, and the concentration of sclerostin was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparison of significance between groups was assessed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Sclerostin concentration was significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis group compared with the healthy group (P<0.005). Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this study, sclerostin can be a possible marker for assessment of periodontal health status.