Gingival crevicular fluid levels of neopterin in healthy subjects and in patients with different periodontal diseases.

Background: Neopterin, a metabolite of guanosine, belongs to the class of chemical compounds known as pteridines and is an early and valuable marker of cellular immunity. Recently, it was shown to be associated with the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between clinical parameters and concentrations of neopterin within gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from inflamed gingiva and periodontitis sites before and after the treatment of periodontitis.