Local Peptidergic Innervation of Gingiva in Smoker/non-Smoker Periodontitis Patients

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the local peptidergic innervation of diseased and healthy periodontium in smokers and non-smokers.

Methods: Fifteen smokers and 12 non-smokers, all with localized chronic periodontitis, participated in the study. Periodontally diseased and healthy tooth sites were selected in the smokers (groups 1 and 2, respectively) and non-smokers (groups 3 and 4, respectively) as the study groups. Local peptidergic innervation was assessed by the concentrations of 2 neuropeptides, substance (SP) and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), in the gingival biopsies obtained from the groups. Clinical data and biopsies were collected from the same 2 tooth sites in each group. SP and CGRP levels were measured by EIA in the supernatants of gingival samples.

Results: Increased probing depth and attachment loss were found in group 1 compared to group 3 (p<0.05). SP was higher in group 1 compared to groups 2, 3 and 4 and it was also higher in group 3 compared to groups 2 and 4 (p<0.05). CGRP was higher in group 1 than in groups 2, 3 and 4 but it was lower in group 3 than in groups 2 and 4 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The study results suggest that: (i) although smoking may affect the neurogenic inflammation in the presence of periodontitis by increasing local peptidergic innnervation, this effect may not be seen in periodontal health and (ii) SP may be regarded as an indicator of periodontitis, whereas CGRP may be important in the acute and/or initial periodontal inflammation.