Assessment and measurement of interleukin 6 in periodontal ligament tissues during orthodontic tooth movement

Abstract

Aim: To assess and measure the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in the periodontal ligament (PDL) during orthodontic treatment at various intervals of the force application. Materials and methods: A sample of 60 premolar teeth were divided into controls and test groups of 30 samples each. Each tooth was assigned a time point for its extraction at 2 hours, 15th day or the 30th day after application of force. Brackets were bonded to the experimental teeth in the mesiodistal center but at 5 degrees to the long axis of the tooth to apply a force of 200–250 g, which was measured by Correx gauge. Gracey�s curette was used to scrape off all the periodontal ligament covering the root surface of the extracted teeth. Cytokine IL-6 was measured by the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit at a wavelength of 450 nm. Results: There was no difference in the levels of IL-6 at 2 hours for the test and the control groups. IL-6 concentration showed the maximum levels when measured on the 15th day and showed a decrease on the 30th day. Conclusion: This study depicted a pattern followed by IL-6 after orthodontic force application, and is a step further in establishing IL-6 as a potential biomarker for improving the orthodontic treatment in terms of decreased treatment time and decreased side effects. Clinical significance: IL-6 can be used as a potential biomarker for efficient treatment in terms of decreased treatment time intervals and decreased side effects of the orthodontic treatment.