title: Estimation of the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, total leukocyte count, and differential count in peripheral blood smear of patients with chronic periodontitis in a South Indian population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study is to investigate systemic levels of inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total leukocyte count and differential count in patients with chronic periodontitis, in comparison to healthy individuals without periodontal disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 individuals, both males and females, above the age of 30 years, were included. Healthy controls (Group I, n = 14), patients with chronic localized periodontitis (Group II, n = 14) and chronic generalized periodontitis (Group III, n = 14), all without any other medical disorder were recruited and peripheral blood samples were taken. Serum samples of CRP and IL-6 were estimated by using different techniques. Total leukocyte count and differential count were estimated by standard clinical laboratory method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Groups II and III had higher mean CRP levels than Group I (0.479, 0.544 versus 0.304 mg/dL). C-reactive protein level in Group III was statistically significant when compared to Group I (p = 0.04). Group III had higher median IL-6 level (6.35 pgm/ml) than Group II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) and Group I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Median values of IL-6 were not statistically significant in any group (p = 0.29). Total leukocyte count was also elevated in Group III (10.4 x 10(3)/c.mm) compared to Group II and Group I (9.2 x 10(3)/c.mm and 7.9 x 10(3)/c.mm). This was statistically significant between different study groups (p < 0.0001). Neutrophil count in Group III was higher (68.0%) than Group II (62.4%) and Group I (57.4%). Neutrophil percentage was statistically significant in Group III, when compared to Group I (p = 0.0003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of CRP, IL-6, total leukocyte count and neutrophils. These elevated inflammatory factors may increase inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic lesions, potentially increasing the risk for cardiovascular events.
authors.affiliation: Lenora Dental College, Department of Periodontology, Lenora Institute of Dental Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, India. dkgani@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Gani
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Mallineni
authors.lastname: Ambalavanan
authors.lastname: Ramakrishnan
authors.lastname: Deepalakshmi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Emmadi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein