# Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Cathelicidin and 8-Isoprostane Levels Among Smokeless Tobacco Users and Non-users and Their Correlation With Periodontal Health and Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study compares salivary biomarkers in smokeless tobacco users and non-users to assess their link with periodontal health and disease.

## Contribution

The study identifies cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane as potential biomarkers for tobacco-related periodontitis.

## Key findings

- Smokeless tobacco users with periodontitis had higher OHIS, Russell’s index, PPD, and CAL values.
- Cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane levels were highest in periodontitis patients with tobacco use.
- Tobacco users showed elevated biomarker levels in periodontitis compared to healthy controls.

## Abstract

Introduction

Periodontal diseases arise from host-microbial interactions influenced by tobacco products. Salivary antimicrobial peptides such as salivary cathelicidin and prostaglandins such as 8-isoprostane are part of the inflammatory cascade affecting periodontal disease pathogenesis.

Methodology

A total of 93 patients, 31 in each group that is healthy, periodontitis, and periodontitis with smokeless tobacco habit patients, were enrolled. The case history was recorded, and clinical examination was performed using periodontal parameter analysis of oral hygiene index simplified (OHIS), Russell’s index, periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The saliva samples were collected and subjected to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane. The results were analysed and compared statistically.

Results

The OHIS, Russell’s index, pocket probing depth, and CAL were high in patients with periodontitis and tobacco habit (p<0.001). The cathelicidin levels were the highest in patients with periodontitis and the tobacco habit (1.6 g/mL). The level of 8-isoprostane was the highest in patients with periodontitis with tobacco habit (1.8 pg/mL). Smokeless tobacco users showed higher levels of cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane in periodontitis with tobacco than in the healthy group.

Conclusion

Increased cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane levels in smokeless tobacco users with periodontitis suggest risk biomarkers for tobacco-influenced periodontitis.