PERIODONTAL CONDITIONS AND SALIVARY IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN-SYNDROME

PERIODONTAL CONDITIONS AND SALIVARY LEVELS Of immunoglobulins sIgA, Ig M, and IgG subclass distribution and albumin, quantified by enzyme-lin ked immunosorbent assay, were determined in 20 patients with Down synd rome and 19 healthy controls. Gingival inflammation was more extensive (P < 0.05) among Down syndrome subjects compared to controls as well as the occurrence of periodontal pockets (> 4 mm) (P < 0.05). The immu noglobulin levels of sIgA, IgM, the sum of Ige subclasses, and the con centration of albumin did not differ significantly between the 2 group s. However, the proportion of IgG1 expressed as percentage of the sum of total IgG was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the Down syndrome group compared to controls. On the contrary, the proportion of IgG2, 1 gG3, and IgG4 subclasses in saliva did not differ between the 2 groups . The results indicate an altered distribution of IgG subclasses in sa liva, with a higher proportion of IgG1 in Down syndrome individuals co mpared to controls.