Presence of aspartate aminotransferase in peri-implant crevicular fluid with and without mucositis

J Oral Implantol. 2012 Apr;38(2):115-23. doi: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-10-00055. Epub 2010 Jul 21.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in peri-implant crevicular fluid, with or without clinical signs of mucositis, to determine its predictive diagnostic value, sensitivity, and specificity. The AST levels were determined (at a threshold of 1200 µIU/mL) for 60 clinically successful implants in 25 patients with or without peri-implant mucositis. Samples were taken prior (AST1) to peri-implant probing with a manual constant-pressure probe (0.2 N) and 15 minutes after probing (AST2). Clinical assessments included radiographic determination of preexisting bone loss, probing, and the evaluation of mucositis, plaque, and bleeding upon probing. Analysis was performed at both the level of the implant and the patient as a unit. We detected a significant difference between AST1 and AST2 at both levels. A significant difference was observed at AST1 between implants that bled upon probing and those that did not. However, when we considered the patient as a unit, there were no significant differences. The plaque index was not significant at either level. AST1 had high specificity and positive predictive diagnostic value (80%) for bleeding upon probing. Probing induces a greater release of AST from inflamed tissues compared with healthy tissues in situ but not at the systemic level. At the implant level, the implant position could be responsible for this difference. Aspartate aminotransferase was a reliable predictor of patients with mucositis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alveolar Bone Loss / enzymology
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / analysis*
  • Dental Implants*
  • Dental Plaque Index
  • Female
  • Gingival Crevicular Fluid / enzymology*
  • Gingival Hemorrhage / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osseointegration / physiology
  • Periodontal Index
  • Periodontal Pocket / enzymology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Radiography, Bitewing
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stomatitis / enzymology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dental Implants
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases