Use of saliva aspartate aminotransferase in diagnosing periodontal disease: A clinical and biochemical study

Background and Aims: Periodontal disease is one of the common inflammatory diseases. Several enzymes in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid are evaluated for early diagnosis of periodontal disease. The objective of our study was to evaluate the relationship between aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in saliva and periodontal status indicated by the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Methods: Thirty patients were assigned to each one of four groups C0, C1, C3, and C4, based on their largest CPITN code among the examined sites, totaling 120 participants. Un-stimulated saliva was collected from the individuals. Biochemical analysis of saliva samples was carried out with an RA-XT auto analyzer by using the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry method in order to quantify their AST concentration. Results: There were statistically significant differences between levels of AST (IU/L) from groups C0 (24.07 ± 15.16 IU/L), C1 (39.73 ± 21.46 IU/L), C3 (68.27 ± 44.41 IU/L), and C4 (175.93 ± 137.39 IU/L). There was a significant positive correlation between clinical parameters and AST concentration in saliva in each group. Conclusion: AST levels in saliva increased with an increase in the CPITN score, Group C0 had the least and Group C4 had the highest AST levels. Periodontal destruction such as periodontal pockets, gingival bleeding seems to be related to AST levels in saliva. Salivary AST levels represent useful adjuncts to the diagnostic of screening periodontal diseases.