Assessment of Salivary and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Neopterin Levels in Pre- and Post-menopausal Women with Chronic Periodontitis Following Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy (A Clinical and Biochemical Study)

Abstract

Periodontal disease results from a complex interplay between host susceptibility and oral cavity micro flora. Various systemic factors and conditions of the host may affect the prevalence, progression, and severity of the disease. Among these variables, sex hormones likely influence the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors are also localized in periodontal tissues. Menopause in women is a physiological state that gives rise to adaptive changes at both the systemic and oral level. Menopause literally means “without estrogen” and by definition, it is the time at which cyclic ovarian function, as manifested by menstruation ceases. Estrogen has a number of effects on the modulation of the inflammatory response and immune cell function. These effects are largely mediated by ERs which are present on monocytes and macrophages.