title: Analysis of aspartate aminotransferase in gingival crevicular fluid assessed by using PocketWatch: a longitudinal study with initial therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) by using PocketWatch before and after initial therapy in patients with chronic adult periodontitis and to determine the relationship between AST and conventional measures of periodontal status, such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and gingival index.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 11 patients with chronic adult periodontitis were enrolled. Their periodontal status and AST levels in GCF were measured at baseline and post-initial therapy (the number of pockets=67), and statistically analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant difference in AST levels between diseased periodontal sites (1.2+/-0.7) and healthy sites (0.3+/-0.6, p<0.05), and between baseline and post-initial therapy (p<0.05). Improvements in clinical status were noted following periodontal therapy and there was a corresponding decrease in AST levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, it is suggested that AST levels may be a useful adjunct in the clinical assessment of periodontal disease sites, since AST level decreases when periodontal status improves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. shimada-ki@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mizuno
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohshio
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kamaga
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Murai
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ito
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D012534:Dental Scaling; D005260:Female; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000473:pathology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases