Increase of crevicular interleukin 1 beta under academic stress at experimental gingivitis sites and at sites of perfect oral hygiene

This study analyses the effects of academic stress on crevicular interleuki n-1 beta (Il-1 beta) both at experimental gingivitis sites and at sites of perfect oral hygiene. Il-1 beta is thought to play a predominant role in pe riodontal tissue destruction. 13 medical students participating in a major medical exam (exam group) and 13 medical students not participating in any exam throughout the study period (control group) volunteered for the study. In a split-mouth-design, they refrained from any oral hygiene procedures i n two opposite quadrants for 21 days (experimental gingivitis) while they m aintained perfect hygiene levels at the remaining sites. Crevicular fluid w as sampled for further Il-1 beta analysis at teeth 5 and 6 of the upper jaw at days 1, 5, 8, 11, 14, 18 and 21 of the experimental gingivitis period. Exam students showed significantly higher Il-1 beta levels than controls bo th at experimental gingivitis sites (area under the curve, exam group: 1240 .64+/-140.07; control group: 697.61+/-111.30; p=0.004) and at sites of perf ect oral hygiene (exam group: 290.42+/-63.19; control group: 143.98+/-42.71 ; p=0.04). These results indicate that stress might affect periodontal heal th by increasing local Il-1 beta levels especially when oral hygiene is neg lected.