Correlation of salivary neopterin and plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with chronic periodontitis and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus

Neopterin is a novel predictor for coronary events especially in diabetic patients and also an indicator for the effectiveness of the periodontal treatment. In this study, we assessed whether salivary neopterin can be used as a potential biomarker in evaluating the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis. Forty subjects between 25 and 75 years of age and who matched the criteria were selected and divided into four groups. Their periodontal status was evaluated. Stimulated whole saliva and blood were collected for analysis of salivary neopterin and fibrinogen and HbA_1c levels, respectively. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy was carried out. Patients were recalled after 3 months, the same procedure was repeated. A reduction in all the parameters was seen after treatment in all the four groups. Salivary neopterin levels showed significant difference (p<0.001) in the values between the study groups and the control group before treatment. After 3 months of treatment, salivary neopterin levels showed a statistical significant reduction (p<0.001) in all the study groups. Neopterin could serve as an effective tool to assess the inflammatory process related to periodontitis and diabetes mellitus and also predict future cardiovascular events in diabetic patients.