Comparative evaluation of salivary hepatocyte growth factor in smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis

Aim: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine with a wide range of actions, and plays a role in periodontal disease (PD) progression. Smoking significantly increases the risk for PD progression. Thus, aim of the present study was to estimate salivary HGF levels of non-smokers and smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP) and to compare its levels before and after therapy.

Methods: A total of 75 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: group 1 included 25 healthy participants, group 2 included 25 non-smokers with CP, and group 3 included 25 smokers with CP. Salivary HGF levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with clinical parameters before and after treatment.

Results: Salivary HGF levels of non-smokers and smokers with CP were significantly higher than the control group. There was a significant reduction in salivary HGF in smokers and non-smokers with CP after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).

Conclusion: Salivary HGF levels positively correlated with PD progression and smoking status. A significant reduction in HGF levels was seen after NSPT. Thus, within limits, it can be suggested that HGF plays a role in PD progression and can be used as a diagnostic biomarker to detect disease activity. Salivary HGF levels could also be useful to monitor response to periodontal therapy.