Assessment of the Levels of Granzyme B in saliva and Serum of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Presenting With and Without Periodontitis

A BSTRACT Introduction: The bidirectional relationship between diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, and periodontitis, an inflammatory disease affecting teeth-supporting structure, is well-established. Granzyme B (GzB), a serine protease and a pro-inflammatory molecule, contributes to pathological inflammatory conditions. This case–control study aimed to estimate and compare the GzB levels in saliva and serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presenting with or without periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In total, 20 patients with T2DM and periodontitis (case, DWP) and 20 with T2DM alone (control, DWOP) were recruited. Clinical periodontal parameters including periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and blood glucose parameters were recorded before sample collection. Saliva and serum samples were collected for determining GzB levels using ELISA. Results: Mean salivary GzB levels in DWP (17.89 pg/mL) and DWOP (19.3 pg/mL) did not differ significantly. However, the serum GzB level in the DWP group 8.21 pg/mL was found to be significantly higher than in the DWOP group. Positive correlation trends between GzB levels and periodontal parameters like PISA were noted. Conclusion: GzB levels were elevated in the saliva and serum of patients with T2DM and periodontitis, thereby suggesting its role in propagating diabetes-related complications.