The Relationship between Enzyme Activities in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Clinical Parameters

Abstract

We evaluated the association between the amount of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and activities of contained enzymes (LDH, LDH isozyme, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucuronidase, and arylsulfatase) in the patients with periodontitis. In addition, gingivitis was experimentally induced, and serial changes in clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and tooth mobility), the amount of GCF, and each enzyme activity were evaluated.
1. In the patients with periodontitis, a positive correlation was observed between the periotron unit and LDH activity as well as β-glucuronidase activity.
2. In the subjects with experimental gingivitis, the plaque index, gingival index, and the probing depth increased with time. The amount of GCF also increased until 3 weeks after the induction of gingivitis but decreased after 4 weeks.
3. In the patients with periodontitis, LDH₅ accounted for 50% of LDH isozyme. In the subjects with experimental gingivitis, the LDH₅ fraction appeared after 2 weeks.
4. In the subjects with experimental gingivitis, LDH activity increased after 1 week, decreased after 2 weeks, and increased again after 3 and 4 weeks. Alkaline phosphatase activity markedly increased after 1 week and decreased with time after 2 weeks or more.