Objectives: VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is reported to have an important role in chronic periodontal disease as a potential factor on vascular response during inflammatory process. The aim of this study, with this regard, is to evaluate the possible effects of diabetes on VEGF levels in periodontal disease. Methods: Sixteen type-II diabetic (test) and 15 healthy (control) periodontitis patients were included in the study. VEGF levels were measured by ELISA both in gingival biopsies and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples collected from the test and control group patients. The data were analysed and compared by Mann-Whitney- U test. Results: VEGF levels of supernatants derived from gingival specimens were found significantly higher in the test group than the control group samples (p<0,05; u=54,50). However, the levels of VEGF per unit volume in GCF were similiar in both groups ( p>0,05; u=87). Conclusions: Our results suggest that diabetes mellitus may trigger the levels of VEGF in periodontitis, but this process may be restricted to the local environment within the tissues constituting periodontium.

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