EXPRESSION OF SERUM INTERLEUKIN 4, INTERLEUKIN 6 AND TNF-Α IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC ADULT PERIODONTITIS
Abstract:
Chronic adult periodontitis results from complex interaction between microbial insult and
the host inflammatory-immune responses. In periodontal disease, multiple virulence factors, derived
from periodontopathic bacteria, trigger the immune cells to release pro-inflammatory mediators such
as cytokines. The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between interleukin 4, interleukin 6
and TNF-α in patients with chronic periodontitis, in order to determine if there is a correlation
between clinical stage of the disease and concentration levels of these cytokines. A total of 78
subjects, 47 females and 31 males, divided in two groups: control and generalized chronic
periodontitis group, were included in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded.
Blood samples were obtained from each patient for serum analysis of IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α. Enzymelinked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used, for quantification of these proteins in the blood
samples. Statistical analysis was performed, using parametrical and nonparametrical techniques. The
findings in our study demonstrate that IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations are different between the
two groups. Chronic periodontitis along with high concentrations of the cytokines are more frequent
in older patients. Il- 4 is found to be higher in the healthy group and in early stages of chronic
periodontitis, being directly linked to periodontal health status. IL-6 concentration is significantly
higher in chronic periodontitis group, supporting its role in advanced bone destruction. TNF-α
increases according to each interleukin in the two groups, meaning that it has no specificity in chronic
periodontitis, only in the acute phase of inflammation. No correlation was found whatsoever between
IL-4 and IL-6 in the same group. IL-4, IL- 6 and TNF-α concentrations in the crevicular fluid o
patients with chronic periodontitis, reported in literature, have the same correspondent in serum of
patients with the same disease. However, further studies, and correlations with other cytokines are
required, in order to demonstrate that interleukins may be used as indicators of chronic periodontal
disease.
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