Study the Interrelated Triad of LL-37, Periodontal Status and Healing Outcome Following Oral Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Aims: This prospective clinical observation study aims to assess the correlation between saliva LL-37 levels, periodontal status, and their impact on wound healing in patients undergoing oral surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 individuals were recruited: 25 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (designated as group I) and 25 periodontally healthy subjects (designated as group II). Probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were documented. Saliva LL-37 and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured by ELISA. Post-operative wound recovery was evaluated using the Inflammatory Proliferative Remodeling (IPR) scale. Results: At baseline, Group I had significantly higher levels of LL-37 (46.13±15.49) than Group II (periodontally healthy (3.61 ±2.59) (p-value = 0.000). LL-37 saliva level remained significantly higher in the periodontitis group post-operatively (p value= 0.000). Serum level of CRP followed the same trend as did LL-37, with a significant difference between the two study groups at baseline and post-operatively. Group I, delayed healing was reported, represented by the poor healing scale (IPR score =3.7±2.51) and a negative correlation with salivary LL-37 levels (r= -0.67, p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation was found (r = 0.83) between LL-37 and CRP levels at baseline and post-operatively. Conclusion: High LL-37 levels are associated with chronic periodontal inflammatory conditions and correlate with delayed healing post-surgery. Assessing LL-37 levels may function as a potential biomarker to mirror surgical risk and design preoperative interventions in dental patients.