Levels of lipocalin-2 in crevicular fluid and tear fluid in chronic periodontitis and obesity subjects

Aim: Lipocalin-2, a 25 kDa secretory glycoprotein, was first found in the neutrophilic granules of humans and in mouse kidney cells. It has been shown to have an important role in inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lipocalin-2 in gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid in patients with obesity and chronic periodontitis. Methods: A total of 40 subjects in the age group 25-40 years were divided into four groups based on probing depth, gingival index, clinical attachment level, body mass index, and radiographic evidence of bone loss. The groups were: (a) nonobese healthy group; (b) obese healthy group; (c) nonobese chronic periodontitis group; (d) obese chronic periodontitis groupGingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid samples were collected on the subsequent day. Results: There was an increase in lipocalin-2 levels from group 1 to group 4 (with the nonobese healthy group showing the least levels and obese chronic periodontitis group showing the highest levels) in both gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid. Conclusion: Lipocalin-2 may be an important inflammatory marker that may help link obesity and chronic periodontitis.