Evaluation of IL-10, IL-22, and TNF-α in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with orthodontic treatment using NiTi and Cu-NiTi archwires.

BACKGROUND

The biological mechanism behind tooth movement relies on sterile inflammation, which can be affected by the various characteristics of orthodontic wire alloys. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects of copper-nickel-titanium (Cu-NiTi) and nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires on the concentrations of the cytokines IL-10, IL-22, and TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during the initial phase of dental alignment.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed GCF samples from 24 patients exhibiting crowding treated with either Cu-NiTi or NiTi wires (12 patients per group). Samples were collected at four intervals (baseline, 1, 24, and 48 h post-wire placement). Cytokine concentrations were assessed using a bead-based immunoassay. The data were evaluated via Mann-Whitney and Friedman analyses.

RESULTS

While no meaningful difference was detected in the short-term levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-22 between the groups, the Cu-NiTi group showed a significant increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 within the initial 24 h (P = 0.021). In addition, compared to the NiTi group, the Cu-NiTi group showed a higher rate of IL-10 increase within the first 24 h (P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Insertion of Cu-NiTi wires causes a reaction in periodontal tissue that is characterized by a significant increase in the regulatory cytokine IL-10. On the other hand, the pro-inflammatory markers, TNF-α and IL-22, were comparable in both types of wires. These findings suggest that Cu-NiTi wires may promote orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in the mandibular anterior region through a distinct, more modulated early biological pathway.