Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on salivary and serum leptin levels in patients with generalized stage II grade B periodontitis

Introduction: Leptin is a peptide-based hormone, known to maintain fat reserves, and forms an integral part of host defense. The level of leptin is found to be altered in various inflammatory disorders, including periodontitis. The outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on leptin concentrations in the saliva and serum of patients with periodontitis is yet to be determined. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NSPT on salivary and serum leptin levels in patients suffering from generalized stage II grade B periodontitis. Material and methods: This randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted on forty-five subjects with normal body mass index, suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal parameters (gingival index, probing pocket depth, plaque index, and clinical attachment loss) were recorded in a structured proforma. Salivary and serum leptin levels at baseline and three months post-NSPT (after scaling and root planning, followed up with oral hygiene instructions to patients) were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test were applied to compare the variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 40.6 ± 4.2 years, with a male to female ratio 1 : 1.2. Significant improvements in the periodontal parameters were observed three months post-therapy (p < 0.001). The difference in serum leptin levels before and after NSPT was statistically significant with p < 0.001, whereas the difference in salivary leptin (SAL) levels before and after NSPT was negatively significant with p < 0.001. Conclusions: The serum leptin level significantly reduced, while SAL level significantly increased after NSPT. In other words, SAL levels of leptin can be used as a biomarker for periodontal health and disease.