A Randomized Controlled Trial for reinforcement of epithelial barrier function by vitamin D induction of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidine. A novel therapeutic approach in Chronic periodontitis.

Chronic Periodontitis is an inflammatory destructive disease of the periodontium resulting in damage to the epithelial barrier , the first line of defence which prevents the entry of microorganisms.Untreated periodontitis progressively results in tooth mortality which has significant social and economic burden on the patients.With shifting paradigms in health care facilities from cure to prevention much emphasis has been laid upon prevention of disease process at the primary level.

There are 3 barriers against infection namely physical,chemical and immunological.The chemical barrier mainly comprises of anti microbial peptides (AMPs) which are endogenously produced antibiotics.

Defensins and Cathelicidines are the most powerful AMPs detected in oral cavity.

The link between upscaling of AMP function and vitamin D is well established.Thus an increase in vitamin D should significantly improve the chemical barrier function by increasing AMPs.

This study intends to explore an economically viable , easily available and a well accepted molecule like vitamin D in primary prevention of chronic periodontitis by reinforcing the epithelial barrier through increased action of Cathelicidine thus reducing a cascade of events which results in tooth mortality.