Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Cathelicidin and 8-Isoprostane Levels Among Smokeless Tobacco Users and Non-users and Their Correlation With Periodontal Health and Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Periodontal diseases arise from host-microbial interactions influenced by tobacco products. Salivary antimicrobial peptides such as salivary cathelicidin and prostaglandins such as 8-isoprostane are part of the inflammatory cascade affecting periodontal disease pathogenesis. Methodology A total of 93 patients, 31 in each group that is healthy, periodontitis, and periodontitis with smokeless tobacco habit patients, were enrolled. The case history was recorded, and clinical examination was performed using periodontal parameter analysis of oral hygiene index simplified (OHIS), Russell's index, periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The saliva samples were collected and subjected to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane. The results were analysed and compared statistically. Results The OHIS, Russell's index, pocket probing depth, and CAL were high in patients with periodontitis and tobacco habit (p<0.001). The cathelicidin levels were the highest in patients with periodontitis and the tobacco habit (1.6 g/mL). The level of 8-isoprostane was the highest in patients with periodontitis with tobacco habit (1.8 pg/mL). Smokeless tobacco users showed higher levels of cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane in periodontitis with tobacco than in the healthy group. Conclusion Increased cathelicidin and 8-isoprostane levels in smokeless tobacco users with periodontitis suggest risk biomarkers for tobacco-influenced periodontitis.