Comparison of IL-1β, TNF-α, hBD-2, and hBD-3 Expression in the Dental Pulp of Smokers Versus Nonsmokers

Abstract

Introduction To date, the endodontic literature lacks research on the effect of smoking on cytokine and defensin expression in the dental pulp. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, human beta defensin (hBD)-2 and hBD-3 in the dental pulp of smokers and compare them with nonsmokers. We hypothesized that cytokine and defensin expression would be reduced in smokers as compared with nonsmokers. Methods Thirty-two smokers and 37 nonsmokers with endodontic pulpal diagnoses of normal, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included in this cross-sectional study. Samples from pulp chambers were collected and stored in phosphate-buffered saline at −80°C. Luminex was used to measure IL-1β and TNF-α levels. The levels of hBD-2 and hBD-3 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Marker levels were normalized to protein concentrations and data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and 2-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results Pulpal concentrations of TNF-α and hBD-2 were significantly lower among smokers (P