Changes in the cytokine levels in adolescents with gingivitis after treatment with propolis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two treatment approaches on the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-18, and IFN-γ in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in adolescents with moderate gingivitis. The participants were divided randomly into two groups (n = 35) as follows: group A - instructed to use marketed toothpaste, and group AP - instructed to add 10 drops of Propolin® to the toothpaste before every brushing. Samples of GCF were collected at the first visit and on the 20 th day of the study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used for the assay of each cytokine concentration. We detected a significant reduction in the levels of IL-1β (p < 0.01), TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-18 (p < 0.05) and INF-γ (p < 0.01) in group A on the 20 th day in comparison to the initial levels. Participants in group AP registered significantly lower levels of IL-1β (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.001), IL-17A (p < 0.05), IL-18 (p < 0.01), IFN-γ (p < 0.001). Comparing the cytokine levels in the groups on the 20 th day of the treatment, we registered significantly lower levels of IL-1β (p < 0.05) and IL-18 (p < 0.05) in group AP when compared to group A. IL-18 and IL-1β could be used as inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents with gingivitis. The addition of propolis to the toothpaste resulted in a reduction of the gingival inflammation in adolescents with moderate gingivitis and greater gingival health improvement than the sole use of a toothpaste.