Abstract
BACKGROUND: Salivary biomarkers have the potential to be used as diagnostic tools for periodontal disease. This study aimed to evaluate the role of semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) in saliva among healthy and periodontitis subjects and its response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interventional clinicobiochemical study was conducted on the study population. SEMA4D levels were evaluated and compared using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Individuals with periodontitis underwent nonsurgical treatment followed by ELISA. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Intergroup comparison was performed using one-way analysis of variance to assess significant differences between the groups, followed by post hoc Tukey's test. Intragroup comparison was performed using a paired t-test to assess significant differences. Pearson's correlation coefficient helped to determine the strength of association. RESULTS: Increased levels of SEMA4D were seen in subjects with Stage 1 Grade A periodontitis. Correlation of SEMA4D to the gingival index, clinical attachment loss, and probing pocket depth was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: SEMA4D can be a potential biomarker since there is a positive relation between SEMA4D and Stage 1 Grade A periodontitis.