The detection of pro-inflammatory cytokines in exudates from dental pulp tissues

Background: This research aims to quantify pro-inflammatory cytokines from the exudates of dental pulp tissues are helpful in the diagnosis of pulpitis, thus, laying down the foundation for further vital pulp therapy on irreversible pulpitis.Methods: The authors selected patients admitted to Beijing Stomatological Hospital from October 2016 to March 2018. Exudates were collected from pulp exposure and were divided into four groups, which encompass normal pulps (Group 1), early stage of chronic pulpitis (Group 2), late stage of chronic pulpitis (Group 3) and acute attack of chronic pulpitis (Group 4).Results: The cytokines IL-18, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF from the exudates of dental pulp tissues were quantified by cytometric bead array using enhanced sensitivity flex sets. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 and the 2-sided significance level was set at p < 0.05. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to process data.Conclusion: There were 32, 37, 14, 29 samples in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Only small amount of IL-18, IL-8 was expressed in normal pulps and almost no TNF, IL-6 could be detected in Group 1. No difference was observed in the concentration of TNF between Group 2, 3, 4.

Automated summary

This research aimed to quantify pro-inflammatory cytokines from dental pulp tissue exudates to aid in the diagnosis of pulpitis and provide the foundation for vital pulp therapy. Samples were collected from different stages of chronic pulpitis and analyzed for cytokine levels. The results showed that normal pulps had low levels of IL-18 and IL-8, while TNF and IL-6 were almost undetectable.