Assessment of salivary and gingival crevicular fluids IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 levels in healthy subjects and patients with periodontal disease

Background: Biomarkers present in the oral fluid (saliva and GCF) have been studied thoroughly in order to be used as adjuncts to the diagnosis of periodontal disease. In periodontal diseases, inflammatory mediators, including IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17, may promote the degeneration of periodontal tissues.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to quantify IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 levels in the saliva and GCF for patients with generalized periodontitis and compare it with healthy subjects. Furthermore, identifying the most reliable biofluids (saliva and GCF) that can be utilized for biomarkers detection in periodontitis patients.

Methods and material: In this study, GCF and saliva samples were collected from 40 patients with generalized periodontitis and 20 healthy subjects. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay (ELISA) was used in the measurement of interleukin levels.

Results and conclusions: The mean levels of IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 either in saliva or GCF were higher in periodontitis patients than in healthy subjects. These results suggest that the levels of IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 in GCF or saliva may be relevant in the pathophysiology of periodontitis, and the measurement of these cytokines may be beneficial in the identification of patients with periodontitis. Furthermore, some biomarkers for periodontal disease are detected better in saliva, while others are best detected in GCF.