Gingival fluid IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels in menopause.

Abstract Menopause and oophorectomy without estrogen therapy (ED) have been associated with increased production of bone-active cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The current study extended evaluation to gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL–6 in such subjects compared to premenopausal and postmenopausal estrogen-treated females (ES). 13 ED and 13 ES Caucasians with a history of moderate-severe adult periodontitis provided GCF from 1–3 clinically identical sites each (5–6 mm probing depth, 5–7 mm clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing). 30 s GCF samples were obtained and evaluated for IL-1β and IL-6 levels using two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The frequency of GCF IL-1β-positive subjects was elevated in ED versus ES (92% versus 23%; p < 0.0004, X2; analysis). IL-6 was detected more frequently in ED subjects (23% versus 8%; not significant); however, the frequency of IL-6 detection was low in both groups due to short sampling times. These data support the concept that clinical conditions causing low estrogen environments allow increased local production of the bone-active cytokine IL-β, and perhaps IL-6.