Evaluation of Salivary Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines (IL- 1α, IL-8 and GM-CSF) in Adult Orthodontic Patients

Abstract

Background: Orthodontic tooth movement is a type of tissue injury leading to an inflammatory response. Cytokines are involved in initiating, amplifying, perpetuating, and resolving inflammatory responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of orthodontic tooth movement on the periodontium by analyzing proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-8 and GM-CSF) levels within saliva. Subjects and Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 18 subjects (12 females and 6males) at baseline time (BT), after 2weeks (T2) and after 4weeks (T4) from placement of orthodontic appliance. Salivary IL-1α, IL-8 and GM-CSF were measured by means of enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Results: The current results revealed no statistically significant differences in the levels of IL-1α at any times, P>0.05. On the other hand, significant elevation in median salivary levels of IL-8 and GM-CSF was found after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks from placement of orthodontic appliance compared to their levels at baseline time, P<0.01. In addition the levels of these cytokines were significantly decrease at 4 weeks when compared to their levels at 2 weeks, P<0.01. Conclusion: These findings suggest that proinflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in bone resorption after the application of orthodontic force.