Association between systemic zinc and oxidative stress levels and periodontal inflamed surface area.

Background/aim: Zinc is a structural component of some enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential associations between serum zinc and oxidative stress levels and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA).

Materials and methods: This study included 90 patients divided into three groups: a periodontitis group (P; n = 30), a gingivitis group (G; n = 30), and a periodontal health group (PH; n = 30). Periodontal parameters were recorded and PISA values were calculated. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and zinc levels were examined biochemically. Oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were calculated.

Results: All clinical periodontal parameters, periodontal epithelium surface area, and PISA values were lower in the PH group than the P and G groups (p < 0.05). Serum zinc and TAS values were higher in the PH group than the P and G groups (p < 0.05). Serum TOS and OSI values were lower in the PH group than the G and P groups (p < 0.05). Serum OSI levels were lower in the G group than the P group (p < 0.05). PISA was associated with serum zinc (β = -28.96, 95% CI = (-38.95, -18.98), p < 0.001) and OSI (β = 89.84, 95% CI = (20.63, 159.05), p = 0.011) levels in the multivariate generalized linear model.

Conclusion: PISA values were associated with decreasing serum zinc and TAS and increased TOS and OSI levels. Zinc deficiency can be associated with the severity of periodontal disease and higher oxidative stress levels.