Abstract
Background:
Cystatin C (CSTC), a cysteine protease inhibitor, is found to be elevated in periodontal disease in an attempt to counterbalance the proteolytic enzymes and increased osteoclastic activity. Reports on CSTC levels associated with periodontal health have been contradictory, making its usefulness as a biomarker problematic.
Aim:
To evaluate CST3 gene expression and correlate it with CSTC levels in periodontal health and severe periodontal disease.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 50 patients with 25 in each group (Group I—periodontally healthy, Group II—Stage III/IV periodontitis) were recruited. Clinical parameters were assessed following which gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissue samples were collected adjacent to teeth that were being extracted. CSTC protein level and CST3 gene expression were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
Results:
Elevated concentrations of CSTC protein and CST3 gene expression were observed in Group II in comparison with Group I, that were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Further, a highly significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation was witnessed between CSTC protein and CST3 gene expression levels in both groups. In addition, the overall correlation between CSTC protein, CST3 gene, and clinical parameters was positive and highly significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
CSTC protein levels and CST3 gene expression were significantly higher in periodontal disease compared with health, and there was a positive correlation between the gene and protein levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that the CST3 gene can be used as a reliable indicator of periodontal disease pathogenesis.
Clinical Trial Registration number: CTRI/2020/03/023926.
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