A Study on the Effect of Orthodontic Tooth Movement on Activity of Aspartate Aminotransferase in Gingival Crevicular Fluid

Background: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is an important source of biomarkers. These properties is useful in monitoring the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is a soluble enzyme that is normally confined to the cytoplasm of cells, but is released to the extra cellular environment upon cell death. The activity levels of AST in the gingival crevicular fluid are considered to be important in regulating alveolar bone resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the activity of AST in GCF in the tissue response during orthodontic tooth movement in order to assess whether this enzyme has potential as possible diagnostic aid of the periodontal metabolic changes during orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: Total 5 male and 5 female patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were included in study. The GCF was collected from mesial and distal gingival margins of canine at intervals 1st, 7th, 21th day after force application. Plaque index gingival index and probing depth scores for individual patients is obtained at different time interval. AST activity will be assessed for each subject during this interval.

Results: AST activity values in both mesial and distal sites increased significantly after 21 days compared to baseline. The increase of AST activity was greater at the distal sites (compression sites) than at the mesial sites (tension sites). Local host response toward the orthodontic forces might lead to an increase in AST activity levels.

Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded that within the limitations of the study, GCF AST activity can be considered as a biomarker of the periodontal metabolic changes during orthodontic tooth movement.