The Effect of Initial Periodontal Therapy on RANKL/OPG Ratio in Gingival Crevicular Fluid

Abstract

Background and objectives: Alveolar bone resorption an event characterizing periodontitis, induced by osteoclast activity which is regulated by ratio between receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG). This study investigated the changes of RANKL/OPG ratio in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) the performing the initial periodontal therapy, on a total of 12 patients with periodontitis. Methods. GCF samples were collected from an area with active periodontitis and a healthy area. RANKL and OPG levels were measured before and after initial periodontal therapy. A group of 10 subjects without periodontitis were included as control group for the comparison. Results. The current findings showed decreased RANKL level in areas exhibited active periodontitis after initial periodontal therapy with no changes involving OPG levels, denoting that periodontal treatment resulted in decreased RANKL/OPG ratio in sites with destructive periodontal activity. Conclusion. In view of the obtained results, it can be concluded that periodontal therapy acts on the RANKL/OPG ratio, through inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. These, may encourage periodontists to apply these molecules in the procedure of proper periodontal diagnosis as well in monitoring the response and efficacy of periodontal treatment.