The relationship between concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines within gingiva and the adjacent sulcular depth

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS STUDY was to determine and compare concentrations and ratios of 3 proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) IL-1 beta, IL-6, a nd IL-8 within gingival tissue biopsies adjacent to less than or equal to 3 , 4 to 6, or >6 mm sulci. All gingiva adjacent to greater than or equal to 4 mm sulci had clinical evidence of active inflammation. Factorial analysis of variance suggested significant effects of sulcus depth on the type and concentration of the three cytokines in the adjacent gingiva (P < 0.001). I L-8 concentrations were highest in gingiva adjacent to less than or equal t o 3 and lowest adjacent to >6 mm sulci (P < 0.001), In contrast, IL-6 conce ntrations were lowest in gingiva adjacent to less than or equal to 6 mm and highest adjacent to >6 mm sites. IL-1 beta concentrations were highest in gingiva adjacent to >6 mm and lowest adjacent to 4 to 6 mm sites; they were also higher adjacent to less than or equal to 3 mm than adjacent to 4 to 6 mm sites (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis suggested that sulcular depth, type of cytokine, and cytokine concentration were significantly corr elated (P < 0.001). Ratios of gingival cytokines changed with increased sul cular depth. In gingiva adjacent to less than or equal to 6 mm sites, IL-8 was the most and IL-6 the least prevalent, In gingiva adjacent to greater t han or equal to 6 mm sites, IL-8 was the least and IL-1-beta the most preva lent. The data suggest that the characteristics of the gingival cytokine ne twork are affected by adjacent sulcular depth. These data could be used to design adjunct diagnostic tests for progression of periodontal diseases.