Study on the TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 Levels in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Studies on the link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis have generated conflicting results and the mechanisms underlying this relationship are incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels in serum and in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of TNF-alpha, IL-1p and IL-6, to clarify the possible link between periodontitis and hyperlipidemia, as well as the effects of conventional periodontal treatment through scaling and root surfacing on these pro-inflammatory molecules. The study was carried out on a total of 40 subjects divided into two main groups: the study group (n=26) and control group (n=14). The cases included patients with atherosclerosis with prescribed diet (D) or antilipemic therapy with a drug from the statin group (S). Controls (C) were selected from systemically healthy subjects with chronic periodontitis. Samples were performed from crevicular fluid and serum, by determining the initial and posttreatment of TNF-alpha, 11,-1 beta and IL-6. For all groups there were significant serum decreases in TNF-alpha, and IL-6 from baseline, and the decreases were more significant IL-1 beta for statin group. Significant decreases were found in the crevicular fluid for all cytokines. The decrease was most evident for IL-6 in the statin group. Combining antilipemic periodontal therapy and treatment can provide beneficial effects on metabolism and control of inflammatory atherosclerosis by lowering serum pro-inflammatory cytokines.