Cytokine profiles and the dynamic of gingivitis development in humans

Aim To investigate the relationship between cytokine profiles and fast and slow patterns of gingival inflammation development. Materials and Methods Forty-two adults participated in an experimental gingivitis study, comprising a 2-week hygiene phase (clinical examination and professional cleaning); a 3-week induction phase (absence of oral hygiene); and a 2-week resolution phase (re-establishment of oral hygiene). Plaque and gingival inflammation scores were assessed. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from gingival crevicular fluid were collected and measured by multiplex ELISA. Group-based-trajectory-modelling (GBTM) was used to model cytokine profiles over the induction phase. The effect of gingival inflammation on cytokine levels over time was estimated with mixed-effects modelling. Results GBTM analysis revealed two cytokine profiles, non-organized response (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-13) and organized response (IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-alpha). Among the slow responders, neither cytokine profile was associated with gingivitis. In contrast, a fast response was associated with a higher non-organized response factor (coef. 0.14) and a lower organized response factor (coef. -0.03). Conclusion A fast gingivitis development was associated with a higher non-organized response and a lower organized response, which may elucidate the role of individual variability in gingivitis susceptibility.

Automated summary

The study found that fast gingivitis development was associated with higher levels of non-organized response and lower levels of organized response, while slow responders were not associated with gingivitis. The results suggest that individual variability may play a role in susceptibility to gingivitis.