Comparison of neutrophil functions in diabetic and healthy subjects with chronic generalized periodontitis

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a systemic condition that has long been associated with an increased risk and severity of periodontal disease. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) play a key role in the maintenance of gingival and periodontal health. Reduced PMN function has been found in patients with diabetes. AIM The objective of this study was to evaluate PMN functions in 15 diabetic patients with chronic generalized periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemotaxis, superoxide production, phagocytosis and killing of Porphyromonas gingivalis by diabetic PMNs were evaluated relative to healthy and matched controls. RESULTS These analyses revealed a significant (P < 0.01) depression in the number of diabetic PMNs migrating along an fMLP gradient. In addition, a significant (P < 0.01) enhancement of diabetic PMN superoxide production was observed. Phagocytosis (P < 0.05) and killing by diabetic PMN of P. gingivalis was also impaired significantly (P < 0.01).