Gingival Crevicular Fluid Uric Acid and Albumin Levels in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients Across Periodontitis Stages and Grades

Background: Periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic inflammatory conditions with a well-established bidirectional relationship, partially mediated by oxidative stress. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers such as uric acid (UA) and albumin (ALB) may reflect local redox status and periodontal disease severity. Objective: This facility-based analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess the levels of UA and ALB in the GCF of diabetic and non-diabetic patients across different stages and grades of periodontitis based on the 2017 classification system. Methods: A total of 120 participants were enrolled and divided equally into three groups (n = 40): periodontally healthy individuals, non-diabetic patients with Stage II Grade A periodontitis, and diabetic patients with Stage III Grade B & C periodontitis. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. GCF samples were collected using standardized paper strips and analyzed for UA and ALB concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation tests. Results: Significantly lower levels of UA and ALB were observed in periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001), with the lowest levels found in diabetic individuals with advanced periodontitis. A moderate to strong inverse correlation was found between both biomarkers and clinical parameters, including probing depth and clinical attachment loss (p < 0.05). Conclusion: GCF levels of uric acid and albumin decline with increasing periodontal severity, especially in patients with T2DM. These findings support the potential utility of UA and ALB as adjunctive biomarkers for monitoring periodontal disease progression and tailoring patient-specific periodontal care, particularly in systemically compromised individuals.