Study Comparing Gingival Fluid Biomarkers in Children and Young Adults with Gingivitis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating differences in gingival crevicular fluid GCF biomarker profiles between children and young adults with gingivitis. This observational case-control study involves approximately 80 healthy participants divided into two groups children aged 8 to 12 years and young adults aged 15 to 24 years. The study excludes individuals aged 13 to 14 years due to hormonal changes during puberty that may affect inflammatory markers. The goal is to better understand age-related variations in gingival inflammation and biomarker expression. Participants will undergo clinical periodontal examinations measuring gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth. GCF samples will be collected from a specific tooth 31 using sterile paper strips and analyzed for inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers IL-1, TNF-, IL-10, and MMP-8 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA. The collection procedure is non-invasive and performed solely for biomarker analysis. Throughout the study, participants will have their clinical periodontal parameters recorded and provide GCF samples at baseline. Researchers will compare cytokine levels and periodontal health indicators between the two age groups. The study may help clarify how hormonal transitions influence gingival inflammation during childhood and early adulthood. Participation involves cooperation during sample collection and examination, with no treatment interventions applied.

Evaluation of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Cytokine Profiles in Children and Young Adults With Gingivitis