Cytokine levels in sites of chronic periodontitis of poorly controlled and well-controlled type 2 diabetic subjects.

AIM

This study compared the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17 and IL-23 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from well-controlled and poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis, before and after periodontal therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen well-controlled (glycated haemoglobin levels ≤8%) and 20 poorly controlled (glycated haemoglobin levels >8%) diabetic subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects were submitted to non-surgical periodontal therapy. GCF sampling and clinical periodontal parameters were assessed before, 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Total amounts and concentrations of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-23 in the GCF were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The levels of IL-17 were higher in poorly than in well-controlled subjects (p<0.05), whereas the levels of IFN-γ were increased in well- compared with poorly controlled subjects at all experimental groups (p<0.05). In addition, IL-4 levels were lower in well- than poorly controlled diabetic subjects at baseline (p<0.05). There were no differences between groups for TNF-α and IL-23 at any time points (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate a predominance of pro-inflammatory T-helper type 1 (Th1)- or Th17-cytokines in sites of chronic periodontitis from type 2 diabetic subjects, according to their glycaemic control.