Neutrophil chemotaxis in individuals with advanced periodontal disease and a genetic predisposition to diabetes mellitus.

In the present study the function of the neutrophil, which exerts a major role in protection against bacterial infections, was assessed in patients with a family history of diabetes mellitus and severe periodontitis. The neutrophil chemotactic function of two groups of patients was compared, both exhibited severe periodontitis. One group had a family history of diabetes and is therefore classified as individuals with potential for abnormal glucose tolerance (Pot-AGT Group). The other group had comparable levels of severe periodontal disease but did not have a family history of diabetes. Neither group showed evidence of systemic disease as assessed by an extensive medical history and a battery of clinical laboratory tests including CBC, SMA-12, prothrombin time, urinalysis and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. The peripheral blood neutrophil chemotactic response of patients in both groups was measured using Boyden chambers charged with the standard chemotactic agents; endotoxin activated serum, E. coli cultu...