Changes in Gingival Crevicular Fluid Endocan (ESM-1) Levels as a Potential Biomarker After Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment in Periodontitis Patients

<b>Background</b>: This study aimed to investigate endocan (ESM-1) levels in periodontitis patients before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment by analyzing the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). <b>Methods</b>: This study included 26 periodontally healthy people as controls (Group 1) and 27 patients with Stage III-Grade B periodontitis (Group 2). Demographic and periodontal variables were assessed. GCF samples were collected from every subject both before and 6 weeks following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test, biomarker levels were determined. <b>Results</b>: The periodontitis patients showed higher ESM-1 levels than the controls, although the difference was not significant (<i>p</i> > 0.005). The ESM-1 levels decreased significantly after treatment (<i>p</i> = 0.001). The VEGF-A levels did not differ significantly between the periodontitis patients and controls (<i>p</i> > 0.005) and decreased non-significantly following treatment (<i>p</i> > 0.005). The TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis patients than the controls (<i>p</i> = 0.000) and decreased significantly after treatment (<i>p</i> = 0.000). A significant correlation was found between TNF-α and both probing depth (PD) and interproximal clinical attachment level (iCAL) in the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In the periodontitis group, the VEGF levels were significantly correlated with the gingival index (GI) (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Significant correlations were identified between ESM-1 and VEGF-A and ESM-1 and TNF-α, as well as VEGF-A and TNF-α, in both the control group and following treatment (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: ESM-1 and TNF-α levels decreased with non-surgical periodontal treatment in GCF. Within the limits of the study, the findings suggest that ESM-1 levels in periodontal tissues may be an indicator of periodontal disease.