title: Angiotensin II Levels in Gingival Tissues from Healthy Individuals, Patients with Nifedipine Induced Gingival Overgrowth and Non Responders on Nifedipine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Renin Angiotensin system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Drug Induced Gingival Overgrowth (DIGO), a fibrotic condition, caused by Phenytoin, Nifedipine and Cyclosporine.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study quantified Angiotensin II levels in gingival tissue samples obtained from healthy individuals, patients on Nifedipine manifesting/not manifesting drug induced gingival overgrowth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gingival tissue samples were obtained from healthy individuals (n=24), patients on nifidipine manifesting gingival overgrowth (n= 18) and patients on nifidipine not manifesting gingival overgrowth (n=8). Angiotensin II levels were estimated in the samples using a commercially available ELISA kit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Angiotensin II levels were significantly elevated in patients on Nifedipine manifesting gingival overgrowth compared to the other 2 groups (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the study give an insight into the role played by Angiotensin II in the pathogenesis of drug induced gingival overgrowth.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Periodontology, Shree Balaji Dental College and Hospital , Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Anitha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balaji
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University , Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Thodur Madapusi
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Balaji
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University , Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Suresh Ranga
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Rao
keywords: DIGO; Fibrosis; Hypertension