Correlation of MCP-4 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a marker of inflammation in obesity and chronic periodontitis

Objectives: Obesity is increasing in prevalence worldwide and has emerged as a strong risk factor for periodontal disease. Conversely, the remote effects of periodontal disease on various systemic diseases have been proposed. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of MCP-4 and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in obese and non-obese subjects with chronic periodontitis and to find a correlation between MCP-4 and hsCRP in GCF and serum.

Materials and methods: Forty subjects (20 males and 20 females) were selected and divided into four groups (10 subjects in each group), based on clinical parameters: group NOH (non-obese healthy), group OH (obese healthy), Group NOCP (non-obese with chronic periodontitis) and group OCP (obese with chronic periodontitis). The levels of serum and GCF MCP-4 were determined by ELISA and hsCRP levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry method.

Results: The mean GCF and serum concentration of MCP-4 was highest for group OCP followed by group NOCP, group OH (in GCF); group OH, group NOCP(in serum) and least in group NOH. The mean hsCRP concentration was highest for group OCP followed by group OH, group NOCP and group NOH. A significant positive correlation was found between serum and GCF MCP-4 and hsCRP levels.

Conclusion: GCF MCP-4 concentrations increased in periodontal disease compared to health and correlated positively with the severity of disease indicating it as a novel marker of periodontal disease. The serum concentration of MCP-4 was found to be more in obese group as compared to nonobese group indicating it as a marker of obesity. Furthermore, based on the positive correlation of MCP-4 and hsCRP found in this study, it can be proposed that MCP-4 and hsCRP may be the markers linking chronic inflammation in obesity and periodontal disease.