Estimation of Salivary Ferritin Levels in Subjects with Chronic Periodontitis with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Ferritin is an iron storage protein essential for iron homeostasis regulation and an indicator of iron stores. It is an acute phase reactant and is elevated in inflammation and chronic infection. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with periodontopathogens possessing haemolytic activity which leads to increased local iron concentration and iron disorder. Inflammation and excess systemic iron are mediating risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus. AIM: To evaluate and compare the salivary ferritin levels in subjects with chronic periodontitis with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODOLOGY: Unstimulated saliva sample was collected by standardized spitting technique from 45 individuals, aged between 30 and 65 years divided into three groups. Group I-Healthy individuals, Group II-Subjects with chronic periodontitis with type 2 diabetes mellitus, Group III-Subjects with chronic periodontitis without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The salivary ferritin levels are analysed using latex-enhanced turbidimetric assay in an autoanalyzer. RESULTS: The salivary ferritin level was elevated in chronic periodontitis with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Group II) and in chronic periodontitis without type 2 diabetes mellitus (Group III).