Identification of osteoprotegerin in Gingival crevicular fluid, saliva and periodontal tissues of chronic periodontitis patients before and after Modified Widman flap procedur

Abstract

Alveolar bone loss, which is mediated by the host immune response against biofilm accumulation, is one of the most important hallmarks of periodontitis. Therefore, the current emergence of osteoimmunology has increased the interest in defining the mechanisms that underlie bone resorption in periodontal diseases. Bone remodeling is coordinated by the interaction among RANK, RANKL and OPG. OPG is a soluble decoy receptor against RANKL that inhibits its interaction with RANK, thus preventing osteoclastogenesis. It is a key factor in the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and activation. The regulation of OPG synthesis and RANKL expression causes the activation or inactivation of osteoclasts, which profoundly affects bone remodeling The backbone of periodontal treatment consists of mechanical removal of bacterial deposits and calculus from the subgingival environment along with a strict regimen of plaque control. Incidence of disease progression is greater in sites with deeper PPD. These sites tend to respond more favorably when surgical therapy is provided.