Some cytokine profiles of T-helper cells in lesions of advanced periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to analyze some cytokine profiles of T-helper cells in periodontitis lesions.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

22 adult patients (7 females and 15 males, aged 24-66 years) with advanced and generalized chronic periodontitis were recruited. Clinical and radiographical characteristics of periodontal disease was assessed. From each patient a gingival biopsy was obtained from one randomly selected diseased interproximal site. The soft tissue sample was prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. Double staining was performed to detect cells positive for both the CD4 marker and different cytokines, i.e. interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).

RESULTS

The lesions in advanced periodontitis contained similar proportions of cells positive for the different cytokine markers examined. In addition, the number of cells expressing cytokine profiles for either T helper-1 (IFN-gamma + IL-2) or T helper-2 (IL-4 + IL-6) was similar.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the lesions of periodontitis are regulated by a combined Th-1 and Th-2 function.