Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Smokeless Tobacco, Chronic Periodontitis: Exploring the Link

Oxidative Stress (OS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of many systemic and oral diseases such as periodontal disease. Smokeless tobacco extract produces apoptosis and causes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, such as Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT). Epidemiological research implied serum GGT within its normal range to be an early sensitive enzyme related to OS. To assess how GGT fares as a biomarker in periodontitis subjects with or without the usage of smokeless tobacco and correlate it with clinical parameters. Ninety subjects were divided into three groups of healthy, chronic periodontitis, and smokeless tobacco users with chronic periodontitis from the dental outpatient department of P.M. Nadagouda Memorial Dental College and Hospital. Serum samples of patients were collected after obtaining consent and analyzed for GGT. Statistical Analysis was performed using ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. GGT levels were found to be significantly higher in chronic periodontitis patients compared to smokeless tobacco users with chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects. GGT may be used as a quick, easy and precise marker for measuring OS in patients with chronic periodontitis and smokeless tobacco users.