Evaluation of endocan biomarker levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid of healthy and diseased peri-implant sites: a cross-sectional study

Objective This investigation evaluates Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1 (Endocan), an endothelial-derived protein, for its capacity to discriminate between healthy and pathological peri-implant tissues and its diagnostic potential in peri-implant disease. Materials and methods This cross-sectional investigation analyzed 62 peri-implant sites from 62 individuals, including 31 healthy sites, chosen according to clinical and radiographic parameters based on 2017 consensus recommendations. Collection of peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) utilized paper point methodology, with Endocan quantification performed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Statistical analysis included multivariable linear regression models to evaluate associations between disease status and Endocan levels, adjusting for demographic factors. Results Endocan levels demonstrated a clear disease progression pattern. Healthy sites showed the lowest levels (643.66 ± 128.49 ng/L), while peri-implantitis sites exhibited significantly elevated concentrations (841.83 ± 62.72 ng/L, p < 0.001). Peri-implant mucositis sites (671.99 ± 133.00 ng/L) were not significantly different from healthy sites ( p = 0.757). Modeling demonstrated that peri-implantitis exhibited significant correlation with increased Endocan concentrations (B = 187.74, p < 0.001), while peri-implant mucositis showed no significant association ( p = 0.431). Additionally, younger age, female sex, and smoking were independently associated with higher Endocan concentrations. Conclusions Endocan demonstrates specificity as a biomarker for peri-implantitis, showing capacity to differentiate advanced peri-implant pathology from healthy tissues and peri-implant mucositis. These results suggest Endocan’s potential utility for disease staging and monitoring in peri-implant care, providing a foundation for biomarker-based diagnostic approaches in implant dentistry.