Effectiveness of aspartate aminotransferase as a marker of periodontal disease in children and adolescents

BackgroundBiochemical markers from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid are of interest in preventing periodontal disease. We investigated the possibility of detecting aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in children and teenagers, as well as the usefulness of the addition of measurements of N-bezyoyl-DL-arginine-2-naphthylamide (BANA) activity and AST release during regular oral check-ups.Subjects and methodsFifty-four children (33 males; 8–15 years) from the pediatric dental clinic of Hiroshima University Hospital were enrolled. Periodontal conditions were investigated using scores of the community periodontal index (CPI), BANA and AST. Bacterial species were also identified.ResultsIn 51 eligible subjects, 64.7% were CPI 1 and 35.3% were CPI 2, and these subjects were diagnosed as having gingivitis. A high BANA score was increased in the CPI 2 group (p = 0.022) and the AST score showed a similar trend. All scores of BANA and AST were found in the same CPI. The number of subjects with higher scores of BANA and/or AST increased with increasing age.ConclusionsIt was possible to measure AST levels in children and teenagers. It is suggested that we provide more specific information to children and their guardian using BANA and AST. Measuring biomarkers during regular oral check-ups could lead to an early diagnosis and intervention to avoid the progression of periodontitis during the childhood and teenage years.