Nitric oxide synthesis is decreased in periodontitis

Objectives: Tn order to study the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in the development of periodontitis, we measured the concentration of its stable metabolite nitrite (NO2-) in the saliva of patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects. Materials and methods: We have analysed salivary NiO2- concentrations in 25 subjects with rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP), 25 with adult periodontitis (AP) and in 25 periodontally-healthy persons. The concentrations of NO2- were determined by the Griess reaction in microtitration plates. Periodontal tissue destruction was determined by measuring the attachment level loss using standard methods. Results: Subjects with periodontitis had significantly less NO2- in saliva than healthy subjects. Subjects with RPP had lower NO2- concentrations than those with AP. Parotid gland saliva contained less NO2- than sublingual gland or total saliva. Conclusions: Local NO production is decreased in patients with periodontitis. This effect is more pronounced in those with severe types of disease.