Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Concentration in Gingival Fluid in Obese

1.      Abstract 1.1.Introduction:High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines both in periodontal disease and in obese people are well documented in the literature. However, there is weak evidence of the relation between both pathologies and cytokines concentration both in serum as in gingival fluid (i.e. Interleukin 6 and Gamma Interferon). The objective of our exploratory study is to measure the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin 6 and Gamma Interferon in the gingival fluid of the obese patients with different clinical periodontal status. 1.2.Methods:Twenty one adult patients with a body mass index >30Kg/m2 were included. Baseline measurements, including clinical parameters and gingival fluid samples were taken to all subjects. Gingival fluid sample was taken in order to measure the Interleukin 6 and Gamma Interferon concentrations. 1.3.Results:Nineteen patients (90%) had periodontal disease. Among them, the disease was mild in 43%, moderate in 14% and severe in 33% of the patients. The average cytokine concentration in gingival fluid for Interleukin 6 was 2,06+/ - 0,96 pg/ml and for Gamma Interferon 2,73 +/- 1,13 pg/ml. Interleukin 6 concentration in patients with concomitant diseases was 2,66 +/- 0,91 pg/ml and in those without concomitant diseases was 1,63 +/- 0,77 pg/ml (p=0.01); the Gamma Interferon concentration was 3,48 +/- 1,13 pg/ml and in the patients without concomitant diseases 2,19 +/- 0,79 pg/ml (p=0.009). Conclusion:Even though the strong association between obesity and periodontal disease has been proved, the estimation of the persistence of the inflammatory response through the high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines seems to be more related to the concomitant diseases with inflammatory origin disorders than with the association itself.