Objectives: Polymorphonuclear leukocytes play a crucial role in the defence system against anaerobic microflora of infected gingival pockets. One part of this system is release of toxic oxygen derivatives. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate free oxygen radical (FR) levels in inflamed gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis and to compare with healthy gingival tissues of control subjects. Methods: 10 patients (8 female, 2 male, mean age 40.70±11.60) and 10 healthy individuals (8 female, 2 male, mean age 34.60±7.55) were participated in this study. At least one single rooted tooth at each quadrant with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ³5mm, and radiographic evidence of bone loss was selected for the patient group. Plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), PPD and relative attachment level (RAL) were measured. FR levels in gingival tissue samples obtained from both groups were analysed by using luminol-enhanced chemiluminesence assay. Results: PI, SBI and PPD of the patient group (2.85±0.33, 3.6±0.51, 5.87±1.62) were significantly higher than the control group (0±0, 0.10±0.21, 1.15±0.33) (p<0.0001). The FR level in the patient group was 124.96 and was significantly higher than the control group, which was 16.14 (p<0.0001). Positive correlations were present between the FR level and PI (r=0.753, p<0.0001), SBI (r=0.734, p<0.0001) and PPD values (r=0.686, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that FR may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. However, due to the complexity of the events, further studies are needed.

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