Effect of Smoking on Macrophage Polarization in Periodontitis

This observational case-control study investigates the effect of smoking on macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Adult participants who were either systemically healthy smokers or non-smokers, and who met the clinical criteria for periodontal health or periodontitis, were included. Gingival tissue samples were collected during periodontal procedures performed after completion of Phase I periodontal therapy, and the expression levels of macrophage polarization markers (iNOS and Arginase-1) were analyzed using ELISA. In addition, comprehensive clinical periodontal measurements-including probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index-were recorded to evaluate the relationship between smoking status, inflammatory burden, and macrophage phenotype. The study aims to clarify how smoking modulates the balance between M1 and M2 macrophage responses in periodontal tissues.