The gingival crevicular fluid interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels in patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis

Cytokines are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. In the present study, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of two important cytokines, interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and, in addition, serum IL-1 beta levels, were determined in patients with severe and rapid periodontal breakdown by use of ELISA. While IL-1 beta was detected in all of the GCF samples studied, TNF-alpha could only be detected in about half the samples. The mean GCF IL-1 beta level was 38.45 +/- 13.99 pg/mL, and the mean TNF-alpha level was 3.20 +/- 1.39 pg/mL, respectively. The GCF IL-1 beta levels also presented a strong positive correlation with the mean pocket depths. Although weak, both of the cytokines also presented correlations with the presence of bleeding on probing. Additionally GCF samples contained increased IL-1 beta levels when compared with the serum samples suggesting local production mechanisms. The findings of the present study suggest that these cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases (IL-1 beta being more significant), and also may help in defining the active phase of periodontal breakdown.

beta 2-Microglobulin levels in serum and saliva of patients with juvenile periodontitis

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2-m) is a low-molecular-weight protein which has been suggested to play an important role in immune functions. The aim of this study was to determine beta 2-m levels in serum and saliva from patients with juvenile periodontitis (JP) and to compare them with those of periodontally healthy subjects. The study was performed on 11 patients with JP and 10 periodontally healthy controls (C). Clinical measurements were recorded and serum and saliva samples were obtained from the individuals. beta 2-m levels were determined using the ELISA technique. Serum beta 2-m levels were significantly higher in the JP group than in the control group. In saliva, no significant difference in beta 2-m levels between the groups was found. The higher beta 2-m levels in serum in the JP group suggest that beta 2-m may play a role as a systemic factor in the etiology and pathogenesis of JP.