Levels of myeloid‐related proteins in saliva for screening and monitoring of periodontal disease

Aim To evaluate the salivary levels of myeloid‐related markers in relation to periodontal disease and their potential screening capability, as well as the effects of periodontal treatment on these markers in periodontitis patients. Materials and methods Participants with a healthy periodontium (n = 60) and with gingivitis (n = 63) and periodontitis (n = 72) were recruited. Periodontitis patients received non‐surgical treatment and were re‐examined after 3 and 6 months. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy for the periodontitis patients. Levels of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1), interleukin‐34 (IL‐34), S100A8/A9, S100A12, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), IL‐1β, and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) were analysed by immunoassays. Results CSF‐1, S100A8/A9, S100A12, IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and HGF were significantly elevated in saliva from periodontitis and gingivitis patients in comparison to healthy individuals, whereas IL‐34 was significantly lower in periodontitis compared to both healthy individuals and gingivitis patients. IL‐34 increased significantly 3 months after treatment, while IL‐1β and MMP‐8 decreased 1 month after therapy. Additionally, periodontitis patients clustered in high and low levels of S100A8/A9, whereby those with high levels had more bleeding, deeper pockets, and higher S100A12. Conclusions Salivary levels of myeloid‐related markers are altered in periodontitis and are partially modulated by periodontal treatment. Measuring S100A8/A9 in saliva may identify distinct groups of periodontitis patients.