THE QUANTIFICATION OF TNF α AS A MARKER IN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE CHRONIC AND AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTAL PATHOLOGY

Abstract

Aim of the study The purpose of this study was to assess the differences between the serum levels of the inflammatory biomarkers cytokine-like (TNF-α) in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis and to establish a correlation between these levels and the age of the patients. Material and methods The study was conducted on 42 patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis, with the age ranging between 24 and 55 years old, selected from the patients of the Periodontology Clinic. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected on heparin transport and the TNF-α levels were determined by ELISA assay, with ELISA R&D Systems kit and a semi-automatic Sanofi Pasteur line. Results There was a significant difference of results between the three study groups (healthy subjects, chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis patients). The TNF-α mean levels were almost two times higher for the chronic periodontitis group when compared to the control group. In the aggressive periodontitis group, the TNF-α presented the highest values (a maximal value of 5.7pg/ml). Our results are corroborating with the previous data where we found high levels of TNF-α in serum and in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with chronic periodontitis. These observations suggest a positive correlation between the periodontal disease and high serum levels of TNF-α. We can hypothesize that high serum levels of TNF-α in patients with high gingival crevicular fluid levels of TNF-α can be determined by a “leaking” phenomena of the cytokines in the systemic circulation. Conclusions Our results suggest a positive correlation between the periodontal disease and high serum levels of TNF-α. We can conclude that TNF-α can be used as a marker of the periodontal disease.

Keywords

• chronic periodontitis
• aggressive periodontitis
• proinflammatory cytokines
• TNF-α