Effect of Endodontic Treatment on Serum Glutathione (GSH) Levels in Patients with Chronic Apical Periodontitis: A Clinical Pilot Study

Aim: To assess the before- and after-treatment levels of glutathione (GSH) in the serum of patients with chronic apical periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 20 systemically healthy patients with radiographic evidence of chronic apical periodontitis in at least one tooth, of which 11 were finally assessed. 10 mL of the patient’s venous blood was obtained before commencing the endodontic treatment to assess the pre-operative serum GSH levels (T0). The canals cleaned and shaped, and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and filled with a calcium hydroxide based intracanal medicament. At the subsequent appointment after one week, teeth were obturated. The patients were recalled 30 days after the completion of endodontic therapy, and blood samples were assessed again at time frame T1 for serum GSH. The difference in pre- and post-treatment values for T0 and T1 was statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of the subjects (N = 11) was 21.09±3.24 years, with 19.50±0.71 years in female group and 21.44±3.50 years in the male group. The mean GSH at T0 was 11.73±8.30 units, which was increased to 14.04±13.96 units at T1. However, no significant change was observed in the GSH level from T0 to T1 (change = –2.30, t-value = –0.49, P = .635). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that endodontic therapy may play a role in restoring the systemic oxidative balance, as seen by the increase in post-treatment serum GSH levels.