Salivary and serum IgA, gingival hydroxyproline levels and the correlations in patients receiving phenytoin and cyclosporin-A

Abstract

The immunosuppresive properties of phenytoin (PHT) which is utilized in the treatment of epileptic seizures and cyclosporin-A (CsA) which is used for the prevention of organ transplant rejection have been mentioned to predispose gingival overgrowth. The aim of the study was to compare IgA levels in saliva and serum, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) (an amino acid unique to collagen) levels in gingiva from patients receiving PHT and CsA and to determine the correlations between these parameters. The study was undertaken on 5 groups including each drug groups with and without gingival overgrowth and healthy controls. A total of 60 individuals 12 from each group were included in the study. The results indicated that IgA levels were generally lower in PHT and higher in CsA groups when compared to controls and to each other. Hyp levels in gingiva were significantly higher in drug groups than controls and in PHT groups than in CsA groups. The findings suggest that biochemical compositions and the interactions which take place in the pathogenesis of gingival overgrowth induced by these drugs are distinct.