Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study intended to assess plasma ghrelin levels in individuals with chronic periodontitis and analyze potential associations with bone turnover indicators, serum cytokines, and periodontal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research contained 80 patients each with 40 individuals with periodontally healthy controls (C) (28 males, 12 females) and 40 chronic periodontitis (CP) patients (29 males, 11 females). The blood samples were analyzed for soluble receptor activator nuclear factor kappa B ligand (sRANKL), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), total and acylated ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), osteocalcin (OSC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and periodontal parameters were recorded. RESULTS: The CP group had considerably higher plasma concentrations of both acylated and total ghrelin than the C group (p<0.05). Gender-based investigation showed substantial differences only among men in both groups (p<0.05). Hence, no significant modifications were identified in serum sRANKL, TNFα, and ALP levels between the groups. However, there was a notable difference in serum OSC and IL-1β levels in the CP group (p<0.05). Furthermore, total ghrelin/acylated ghrelin and total ghrelin/ALP revealed positive correlations. No significant association was found between symptoms and ghrelin levels. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate elevated levels of ghrelin and acylated ghrelin in male CP patients.