This observational clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between the HALP score (Hemoglobin × Albumin × Lymphocyte / Platelet), several blood-based inflammatory indices (including NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII), and salivary MMP-8 levels in individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and stage III/IV periodontitis. The study also evaluates how these biomarkers relate to healing following non-surgical periodontal therapy.
A total of 180 participants aged 18-65 years will be included: 50 healthy individuals, 50 patients with gingivitis, and 80 patients with stage III/IV periodontitis. All participants will undergo periodontal clinical examination and provide blood and saliva samples at baseline. Individuals in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups will receive standard non-surgical periodontal treatment (full-mouth debridement) and will return for a 3-month follow-up visit, where periodontal measurements will be repeated. In the periodontitis group, an additional blood sample will be collected at the 3-month follow-up visit.
The primary objective is to determine whether baseline HALP score, systemic inflammatory indices, and salivary MMP-8 levels differ between participants who show good versus poor healing after treatment. Secondary objective include comparing biomarker levels across periodontal status groups. The findings may contribute to early prediction of treatment response and personalized periodontal care.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18-65 years
* Ability to provide informed consent
* No systemic diseases or conditions affecting periodontal status
* For Healthy Group: Probing depth ≤3 mm, no attachment loss, no radiographic bone loss
* For Gingivitis Group: Gingival inflammation and bleeding on probing without attachment loss or bone loss
* For Periodontitis Group: Stage III or stage IV periodontitis according to 2018 classification
* No periodontal treatment within the past 6 months
* Willingness to attend follow-up visits
Exclusion Criteria:
* Systemic diseases influencing periodontal inflammation (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disorders)
* Current pregnancy or lactation
* Use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive drugs within the last 3 months
* Smokers or individuals using tobacco products
* History of periodontal surgery in the last 6 months
* Presence of fewer than 20 natural teeth
* Any condition that may interfere with study participation or data reliability
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Differences in Baseline HALP Score Between Good and Poor Treatment Responders
Timeframe: Baseline (T0) to 3 months after treatment (T2)