Soluble CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of subjects with untreated adult periodontitis

Abstract

Background: This study determined soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and their potential relationship to periodontal conditions in adult periodontitis. Methods: QCF was collected from 15 patients with untreated adult periodontitis. sCD14 levels were determined by ELISA and presented as total amount (ng/site) and concentration (μg/ml). The periodontal examination consisted of plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). PD and CAL were measured with an electronic probe. Results: sCD14 was detected in all 15 subjects and was found in 59% (62/105) of the sampled sites. The percentage of sites with sCD14 varied greatly, ranging from 14% to 100%. The mean total amount of sCD14 was 1.71 ± 0.40, range 0.03 to 5.41 ng/site; the concentration of sCD14 was 14.04 ± 4.15, range 0.16 to 51.74 (μ/ml. No significant difference in clinical data was found between the sites with and without detectable levels of sCD14. However, on the basis of the individual profile of sCD14 levels, i.e., those individuals with > 50% of the sites containing sCD14 and mean levels of sCD14 >5.0 μg/ml, the 15 subjects were divided into a high sCD14 group (9 subjects) and a low sCD14 group (6 subjects). Compared to the high group, the low group showed greater mean PD and a higher percentage of sites with PD ≥ 5.0 mm (P<0.05). Consistent with this, sCD14 concentrations showed a negative correlation with PD (rs =-0.636, P =0.0174). Conclusions: The present study shows that sCD14 levels in GCF varied greatly among subjects with untreated adult periodontitis. Individuals with higher levels of sCD14 in GCF and more sites containing sCD14 had fewer deep pockets. The negative correlation between GCF sCD14 levels and probing depth implies a crucial role of sCD14 in bacterially induced periodontal destruction. The relationship between GCF sCD14 levels and probing depth warrants further investigations.