HALP Score, Blood-Based Inflammatory Indices, and Salivary MMP-8 in Periodontal Disease and Healing After Non-Surgical Therapy

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.