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

Background: This study aims to investigate ESM-1 (endocan) levels in periodontitis patients before and after nonsurgical periodontal treatment by analyzing the relationship between VEGF-A and TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Methods: This study included 26 periodontally healthy people in the control group (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 six weeks following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test, biomarker levels were determined. Results: Periodontitis patients showed higher ESM-1 levels than controls, though not significantly (p > 0.005). ESM-1 levels decreased significantly after treatment (p = 0.001). VEGF-A levels did not differ significantly between periodontitis patients and controls (p > 0.005) and decreased following treatment without statistical significance (p > 0.005). TNF-α levels were significantly higher in periodontitis patients than controls (p = 0.000) and decreased significantly after treatment (p = 0.000). A significant correlation found between TNF-α and both PPD and iCAL in the control group (p < 0.05). In the periodontitis group, VEGF levels showed a significant correlation with GI (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were identified between ESM-1 and VEGF-A, ESM-1 and TNF-α, as well as VEGF-A and TNF-α in both the control group and the following treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ESM-1 and TNF-a levels decreased with non-surgical periodontal treatment in GCF. Within the limits of the study, ESM-1 levels in periodontal tissues indi-cate that they may be indicator of periodontal disease prognosis.