Evaluation of estrogen receptor and circulating estradiol levels in pre- and postmenopausal women with periodontal disease.

: Although the presence of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the gingival tissues has been confirmed, there is as yet insufficient literature regarding its expression in periodontal health and disease. Gingival samples were collected from 40 subjects who were divided into four groups. (Group A, premenopausal health; Group B, premenopausal periodontitis; Group C, postmenopausal health; Group D, postmenopausal periodontitis). ERs were identified with an anti-ER monoclonal antibody (Bio Genex). Circulating estradiol (E2) levels were estimated using the Genix E2 EIA commercial kit. An inverse relationship between E2 and ER levels in gingiva was observed in all the samples. There was significantly reduced expression of ERs in the gingiva of subjects with chronic periodontitis when compared to those with healthy periodontium in the postmenopausal group.