[Analysis of volatile fatty acids in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the volatile fatty acids in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to analyze the relationship between the levels of the volatile fatty acids and chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

GCF samples taken from 37 patients with chronic periodontitis and 16 volunteers with healthy periodontal status were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis.

RESULTS

The detection frequencies and concentrations of succinic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid were significantly higher in GCF of chronic periodontitis than in that of healthy group. The detection frequencies of propionic acid had no statistic difference between the two groups, but the concentrations of it was significantly higher in inflammation group. We also found that the concentrations of succinic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid were significantly lower in shallow pockets than that in deep pockets.

CONCLUSIONS

The volatile fatty acids, especially succinic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid were associated significantly with the severity and inflammation of periodontal disease. The levels of succinic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid in GCF were related to pocket depth.