Gingival crevicular fluid levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with or without chronic periodontitis.

Objectives: Systemic conditions may affect host susceptibility, disease progression and severity as well as treatment response. Previously, low oestrogen (E(2)) levels were associated with increased bone resorption, due to increased osteoclastogenesis and decreased osteoclast apoptosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an essential cytokine for osteoclastogenesis.