Low serum 1,25(OH) 2 D levels: A risk factor for periodontitis

Context: Vitamin D has been associated with bone health and it is well understood that vitamin D deficiency leads to various disorders. 1,25(OH) 2 D maintains oral health through its effect on bone and mineral metabolism and innate immunity. Aims: The aim was to evaluate the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25(OH) 2 D and periodontal disease risk and also the effect of low serum levels on periodontal surgical outcomes in periodontitis patients. Settings and Design: The study was designed as a case control clinical trial that was conducted to identify the risk of low levels of serum vitamin D in progression of the disease and also in periodontal healing process. Materials and Methods: A total of 51 chronic periodontitis patients and 33 periodontally healthy subjects were included in the study. The serum levels of both 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH) 2 D were determined. Parameters, such as plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment level (CAL), and pocket depth (PD), were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months to assess the periodontal status. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent sample t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: There was statistically significant association between serum 1,25(OH) 2 D level and periodontal health status (12.73 ± 4.19 vs. 20.36 ± 5.50). The subjects with chronic periodontitis showed low serum levels of 1,25(OH) 2 D, and individuals with severe deficiency have shown less clinical attachment gain and PD reduction when compared with minimal deficiency patients after the surgery. Conclusions: Analysis of these data suggest that low serum 1,25(OH) 2 D level seem to be associated with chronic periodontitis and 1,25(OH)2D deficiency negatively affects the periodontal surgical treatment outcome