Aims: GCF levels of the cytokine IL-1 beta and its receptor antagonist IL-1
ra were analyzed with respect to smoking in patients with moderate to sever
e periodontal disease. The study population included 22 smokers and 18 non-
smokers in the age range 32-86 years. Concomitantly, the GCF levels of IgA;
IgG, albumin and total protein were analyzed.
Method: Samples of GCF were obtained from 2 diseased sites in each patient
by means of an aspiration method. IL-1 beta, IL-1ra, IgA and IgG were deter
mined with immunoelectrophoresis. Total protein was determined by the BCA m
ethod.
Results: The clinical characteristics in terms of probing depth and frequen
cy of diseased sites and supragingival plaque did not differ between smoker
s and non-smokers. Gingival bleeding, however, was significantly depressed
in smokers. IL-1 beta was detected in GCF of 95% of both smokers and non-sm
okers and IL-1ra in all patients. The GCF level of IL-1ra was approximately
1000-fold that of IL-1 beta. The GCF levels of IL-1 beta and IL-1ra were h
igh in comparison with those of TNF-alpha and IL-6 determined by the same m
ethod in our earlier studies.
Conclusion: Our observations did not reveal any influence of smoking on the
levels of IL-1 beta and IL-1ra in GCF.