Gingival crevicular fluid levels of Interleukin-22 (IL-22) and human β Defensin-2 (hBD-2) in periodontal health and disease : A correlative study.

BACKGROUND

Interleukin 22(IL-22), a recently identified, Th-22 associated cytokine has a key role in the production of human β defensin-2(hBD-2) and hence an indirect role in innate, nonspecific immunity. Hence this study was conducted as preliminary research to quantify and correlate the levels of IL-22 and hBD-2 in periodontal disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid from subjects with chronic periodontitis (n = 27), gingivitis (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 27) were obtained for the study. The periodontal status of each subject was assessed by criteria based on plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment loss. The levels of IL-22 and hBD-2 were measured in GCF samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULT

Periodontal parameters were described and reported as mean values. The distribution and comparison of clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid IL-22, hBD-2 levels in healthy controls, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis groups were assessed using one way ANOVA test. Post Hoc Bonferroni test was used for intergroup comparisons. Association among the IL-22 , hBD-2 and clinical parameters in all three groups were examined using Pearson's correlation test.The IL-22 level was significantly greater in chronic periodontitis group than healthy controls (P < 0.001) and gingivitis group (P < 0.001). The hBD-2 level was significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis group compared to gingivitis (P = 0.003) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). The results also showed a statistically significant correlation (P = 0.002) between IL-22 and hBD-2 concentration in chronic periodontitis group.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate the role of IL- 22 and hBD-2 in the innate immune response during periodontitis.