title: Evaluation of the gingival inflammation in pregnancy and postpartum via 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α levels in saliva.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physiological changes and immunological modifications occur during pregnancy. The clinical and biological features of periodontal infections are affected by pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate saliva levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and TNF-alpha (TNF-α) in pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnant controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Whole saliva samples together with full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings were obtained from 59 pregnant, 47 post partum and 70 systemically healthy non-pregnant women. Groups were also evaluated according to the periodontal health status. 25(OH)D3, PGE2 and TNF-α levels in the saliva samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Data were statistically tested by nonparametrical tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Saliva TNF-α and PGE2 levels were significantly lower and 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher in the pregnant group than postpartum group (p<0.0001). Saliva TNF-α and 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher and PGE2 levels were significantly lower in the control group than postpartum group (p<0.0001). In the pregnant healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis groups saliva TNF-α levels were significantly lower than postpartum and control counterparts (p<0.0001, p=0.032, p=0.003 and p=0.013; p=0.027; p=0.007, respectively). In control healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis groups saliva 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher than the postpartum counterparts (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p=0.002, respectively). In the control healthy and gingivitis groups saliva 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher than pregnant healthy and gingivitis (p<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, within the limits of the present study it seems that pregnancy have an effect on parameters in saliva in relation to the periodontal status of the women. Further studies are required for better understanding of the impact of periodontal diseases on pregnancy or otherwise.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey. Electronic address: pinar.gumus@ege.edu.tr.
authors.forename: Pınar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gümüş
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey.
authors.forename: V Özgen
authors.initials: VÖ
authors.lastname: Öztürk
authors.affiliation: Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey.
authors.forename: Emir
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bozkurt
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gülnur
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Emingil
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000378:metabolism*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D015232:Dinoprostone
keywords: Cytokines; Periodontal diseases; Pregnancy; Saliva