Evaluation of Salivary Leptin Levels and Its Correlation with Class I, Class II, and Class III Facial Skeletal Pattern: A Prefatory Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the salivary leptin hormone levels between different classes of facial skeletal pattern (Class I, II, and III).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 62 patients were selected prior to the orthodontic treatment from a population that attended the International Islamic University Malaysia Specialist Orthodontic Clinic. Based on the lateral cephalometric analysis, the subjects were grouped into Class I, Class II, and Class III facial skeletal patterns, according to Eastman and Wits appraisal. Subsequently, unstimulated saliva samples were taken and purified to undergo leptin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis to determine the levels of leptin hormone. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the data obtained.

RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the levels of leptin hormone between Class I and Class II skeletal patterns and between Class I and Class III facial skeletal patterns. No statistical difference was noted between the levels of leptin of Class II and Class III facial skeletal patterns.

CONCLUSION: Salivary leptin hormone levels are higher in patients with Class II and Class III facial skeletal patterns compared with Class I.