The role of platelets in inflammatory immune responses in generalized aggressive periodontitis

Abstract Aim To investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers and platelet size in generalized aggressive periodontitis ( GA gP). Material and Methods Periodontal, inflammatory and platelet indices were compared between 59 GA gP patients and 59 healthy subjects. Gingival biopsies from five patients and five healthy subjects were examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Changes in patient periodontal and platelet indices were re‐evaluated at 3 months after periodontal therapy. Results Platelet size was decreased significantly in GA gP patients compared to healthy subjects ( p ≤ 0.003). Weak negative correlations between platelet size and periodontal parameters were found in GA gP patients ( p ≤ 0.025). Platelet aggregates and adhesion to the endothelium or leucocytes were found in venules and connective tissues of gingival biopsies from GA gP patients. Mean platelet volume ( MPV ) and platelet large cell ratio increased after periodontal therapy in GA gP patients ( p ≤ 0.038). The increase in MPV was related to the decrease in bleeding index in GA gP patients after periodontal therapy ( p < 0.001; r = 0.357). Conclusion Platelet size was reduced in GA gP patients compared to healthy controls, possibly due to the consumption of large platelets at sites of periodontal inflammation. Platelets may be involved in host responses to periodontal infection in GA gP.