Association of dose dependent effects of smoking and chronic periodontitis by estimating elastase levels

Background: To determine the association of dose dependent effects of smoking and chronic periodontitis by estimating elastase levels in Saliva, GCF and serum samples.
Materials and Methods: 125 male subjects in the age group of 25-55 years were included and grouped as, Group A, Periodontally healthy non-smokers Group B, Periodontally healthy smokers. Group C, Non smokers with chronic periodontitis. Group D, Chronic periodontitis smokers (< 10 Cigarettes/day) and Group E, Chronic periodontitis smokers (> 10 Cigarettes/day). Smoking history (pack years), Clinical parameters PI, GBI, PPD CAL, Salivary, GCF and Serum Elastase levels were recorded.
Results: Clinical parameters and Elastase activity in Saliva, GCF and Serum showed significant difference between diseased group and healthy group. In between the diseased group comparison, GCF and Saliva showed Lower Elastase activity in smoking periodontitis group.Whereas, Serum showed higher Elastase activity. Also, it was noted that, GCF and serum elastase activity were higher in patients with greater than 10 pack years.
Conclusion: Elastase proves to be a reliable marker not only in diagnosing the periodontal disease severity locally but also systemically. It further helps in prediction and management of the disease.