Anti-Apoptotic and Pro-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Peri-Implant Diseases

Abstract

Objectives: Intrinsic apoptosis, which is regulated by Bcl-2 family proteins, has an important role in chronic inflammatory diseases. The aim of the study was to identify the tissue levels and ratios of anti- and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins in peri-implant diseases. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three individuals with peri-implant mucositis, 25 individuals with peri-implantitis, and 24 controls were included. The following clinical parameters were recorded: keratinized mucosa width, modified bleeding index, probing depth, modified plaque index, modified gingival index, and keratinized tissue thickness. Marginal alveolar bone assessments were performed by a software program. Granulation tissues were collected during treatments of peri-implant diseases. The control tissue samples were collected during the second stage of implant surgery. The tissue levels of Bcl-2 family pro-apoptotic (Bak, Bax, active caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1) proteins were determined by multiplex immunoassay method. Results: The pro-apoptotic proteins; Bak, Bax and anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1 were detected significantly higher in controls compared with patients with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis (p