Diagnostic Enzymes in Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a Chronic inflammatory disease that affect the connective tissue attachment and supporting bone around the teeth. It is widely accepted that the initiation and the progression of periodontitis are dependent on the presence of virulent microorganisms and the host response of the individual to this pathologic infection. Host responses to the periodontal disease includes the production of different enzymes released by connective tissue, epithelial or inflammatory cells. The enzymes like acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate or alanine aminotransferase(AST, ALT) and gama glutamyl transferase (GGT)are associated with cell injury and cell death. Alterations in enzymatic activity reflects metabolic changes in the inflammatory state of the gingiva and periodontium. Hence it is important to have a knowledge about this enzymes to have an insight in the disease activity. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive details about various enzymes associated with periodontal disease activity .