To estimate the levels of gingival crevicular fluid YKL-40 in patients with chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis with chronic periodontitis - a clinico-biochemical study

Background and objectives: YKL-40, a C-reactive protein belongs to the positive acute-phase protein. It is also known as Human chitinase-3-like protein 1(HCI3L1) and is closely related to both acute and chronic inflammation. The present study aimed to detect and estimate the levels of YKL-40 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with healthy periodontium, chronic periodontitis, and rheumatoid arthritis with chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: Forty-five patients in the age range of 25-55years were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: Group I-15 Periodontal healthy patients, Group II-15 Chronic Periodontitis patients, and Group III-15 Rheumatoid arthritis with chronic periodontitis patients. Clinical parameters recorded were Plaque index, Gingival index, Gingival bleeding index, probing depth, and Relative attachment level. GCF samples were analyzed using ELISA. p - value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The highest mean YKL-40 concentration in GCF was observed in rheumatoid arthritis with Chronic periodontitis. The mean concentration of YKL-40 in GCF showed a three to four folds increase in its levels when compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Contrary, GCF YKL-40 levels between Group II and Group III were not significant.Conclusion: With the increase in severity of periodontal destruction from healthy periodontium to chronic periodontitis, there was a substantial increase in the concentration of YKL-40 in GCF. Correlation of GCF YKL-40 with clinical parameters demonstrated increased severity of the diseases increased its level

A rare case of oligodontia

Agenesis of permanent teeth is a congenital abnormality where some of the teeth are missing as the follicles needed for the growth of the teeth are completely absent. Documental evidence of this condition is very limited in literature and the etiology is still obscure. The present article highlights a clinical case of oligodontia without any association of systemic condition or syndrome