Assessment of Serum Magnesium and Nitric Oxide Levels in Periodontitis: A Cross-sectional comparative Study

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes severe irreversible destruction of the tissues and bone of the teeth. Nitric oxide (NO), a free radical act as anti-inflammatory, proinflammatory and important inflammatory mediator, magnesium (Mg) is major macro mineral plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory and immune responses. Alterations in these biomarkers may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. This research aims to evaluate serum nitric oxide and magnesium levels in patients with periodontitis and compare them with healthy controls. This cross-sectional comparative study included 72 participants, comprising 36 periodontitis patients and 36 healthy controls aged 25–40 years of both genders. Healthy controls were systemically and periodontally healthy individuals. Periodontitis was diagnosed by a qualified periodontist using clinical parameters including periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. Serum nitric oxide and magnesium levels were measured using respective kits. Data was normally distributed and statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test. Serum nitric oxide levels were significantly increased in periodontitis patients (78.92 ± 9.40 µmol/L) compared with healthy controls (48.75 ± 12.20 µmol/L) (p = 0.007), representing an increase of approximately 64%. Serum magnesium levels were significantly decreased in periodontitis patients (1.42 ± 0.24 mg/dL) compared with controls (1.99 ± 0.14 mg/dL) (p = 0.001), representing a reduction of approximately 29%.Periodontitis patients exhibited significantly elevated serum nitric oxide levels and significantly reduced serum magnesium levels. These findings suggest that nitric oxide-mediated inflammation and magnesium deficiency are associated with periodontal disease progression.