Effects of periodontal treatment on serum inflammatory markers and CD4T-lymphocyte cell count in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Introduction. Several studies have reported reduction in the serum concentration of systemic inflammatory markers upon completion of periodontal therapy. However, no studies have been conducted on the effects of periodontal therapy on systemic inflammation in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of periodontal therapy on the serum levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers and CD4T-lymphocyte cell count in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Material and Methods. The study included 34 human immunodeficiency viruspositive patients with chronic periodontitis receiving antiretroviral therapy. Periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, papilla bleeding index, probing depth and clinical attachment level) and serum samples, assessed for the levels of interleukin- 1 ?, tumor necrosis factor-?, and C-reactive protein, were evaluated at baseline, 1- and 3-months upon completion of the non-surgical periodontal therapy. The CD4T-lymphocyte count was measured at baseline and three months after treatment completion. Results. Significant reduction in the values of plaque index, gingival index, papilla bleeding index, and probing depth was noted (p < 0.001), whereas the reduction in the median clinical attachment level value did not reach a statistically significant level (F = 1.321; p = 0.261). Local inflammation reduction was accompanied by a significant decrease in serum C-reactive protein (F = 5.765; p = 0.014) and a CD4Tlymphocyte count increase (t = 2.321; p = 0.027). Serum interleukin-1? and tumor necrosis factor-? did not change significantly as a result of periodontal treatment. Conclusion. Periodontal therapy contributes to the reduction of C-reactive protein and improvement of general health in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.