Relationship of the substance P to indicators of host response in human gingival crevicular fluid

Background: The substance P (SP) level in human gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was studied in relation to clinical periodontal variables and to various indicators of host response in the GCE Methods: GCF was collected from periodontal sites with gingival inflammation and shallow or moderately deep pocket in 38 subjects. The total amount of SP and the substances based on host response factors in a 30-s sample were determined by ELISA and enzymatic methods. Results: Significant correlation was found between SP and probing depth (r= 0.637, p<0.001), while correlation was weak between SP and either gingival (r= 0.177, p=0.23) or plaque index (r=0.008, p=0.96). SP also showed significant correlation with the indicators of host response: prostaglandin E-2, aspartate aminotransferase. alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase. interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (r=0.434- 0.867, p<0.01-0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate that neuropeptide SP in GCF may have a potential as an indicator of periodontal inflammation and the host response.