Effect of photodynamic therapy, diode laser, and deep scaling on cytokine and acute-phase protein levels in gingival crevicular fluid of residual periodontal pockets

Salivary and serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as biomarkers of periodontitis in United States veterans with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Serum procalcitonin (ProCT) is elevated in response to bacterial infections, whereas high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a nonspecific inflammatory marker that is increased by excess adipose tissue. We examined the efficacy of ProCT and hsCRP as biomarkers of periodontitis in the saliva and serum of patients with arthritis, which is characterized by variable levels of systemic inflammation that potentially can confound the interpretation of inflammatory biomarkers. Blood and unstimulated whole saliva were collected from 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 50 with osteoarthritis (OA). Periodontal status was assessed by full mouth examination and patients were categorized as having no/mild, moderate or severe periodontitis by standard parameters. Salivary and serum ProCT and hsCRP concentrations were compared. BMI, diabetes, anti-inflammatory medications and smoking status were ascertained from the patient records. Differences between OA and RA in proportionate numbers of patients were compared for race, gender, diabetes, adiposity and smoking status. Serum ProCT was significantly higher in arthritis patients with moderate to severe and severe periodontitis compared with no/mild periodontitis patients. There were no significant differences in salivary ProCT or salivary or serum hsCRP in RA patients related to periodontitis category. Most of the OA and RA patients were middle aged or older, 28.9% were diabetic, 78.3% were overweight or obese, and slightly more than half were either current or past smokers. The OA and RA groups differed by race, but not gender; blacks and males were predominant in both groups. The OA and RA groups did not differ in terms of controlled or uncontrolled diabetes, smoking status or BMI. The RA patients had been prescribed more anti-inflammatory medication than the OA patients. Our results demonstrate that circulating ProCT is a more discriminative biomarker for periodontitis than serum hsCRP in patients with underlying arthritis. Any elevation in salivary and serum hsCRP due to periodontitis apparently was overshadowed by differences among these patients in factors that influence CRP, such as the extent of inflammation between RA and OA, the extent of adipose tissue, the use of anti- inflammatory medications and smoking status. Although our study showed no differences in salivary ProCT related to severity of periodontitis, this biomarker also may be useful with further refinement.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines at zirconia implants and teeth. A cross-sectional assessment

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the expression of host-derived markers in peri-implant/gingival crevicular fluid (PCF/GCF) and clinical conditions at ceramic implants and contralateral natural teeth. As a secondary objective, we compared zirconia implants with titanium implants.

METHODS

One zirconia implant (ZERAMEX® Implant System) and one contralateral natural tooth were examined in 36 systemically healthy subjects (21 males, 15 females, mean age 58). The levels of Il-1β, Il-1RA, Il-6, Il-8, Il-17, b-FGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFNɣ, MIP-1β, TNF-α, and VEGF were assessed in PCF/GCF using the Bio-Plex 200 Suspension Array System. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed at six sites around each implant or tooth. Titanium implants were also assessed when present (n = 9).

RESULTS

The zirconia implants were examined after a loading period of at least 1.2 years (average 2.2 years). The mean PI was significantly lower at zirconia implants compared to teeth (p = 0.003), while the mean GI, PD, and BOP were significantly higher (p < 0.001). A correlation was found in the expression of Il-1RA, Il-8, G-CSF, MIP-1β, and TNF-α at zirconia implants and teeth. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher at zirconia implants than at teeth. No significant differences were found between zirconia and titanium implants. A correlation was found between the levels of IL-1RA, IL-8, GM-CSF, and MIP-1β at zirconia and titanium implants.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation in the expression of five biomarkers at zirconia implants and teeth, and of four biomarkers at zirconia and titanium implants, is compatible with the existence of a patient-specific inflammatory response pattern. Higher mean GI, PD, and BOP around implants suggests that the peri-implant mucosa may be mechanically more fragile than the gingiva.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Similar expression of selected biomarkers at zirconia implants and teeth and at zirconia and titanium implants reflects existence of patient-specific inflammatory response patterns.

Effect of Combined Therapy Using Diode Laser and Photodynamic Therapy on Levels of IL-17 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy of diode laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Thirty subjects with chronic periodontitis were included. All teeth received periodontal treatment comprising of SRP. Using a split mouth study design, the test group was additionally treated with a combination therapy of diode laser and PDT. GCF was collected to evaluate IL-17 levels at baseline and 3 months. Results: There was no difference in baseline values for levels of IL-17 in GCF in the test group and the control group. A significant decrease in GCF levels of IL-17 was observed in both treatment groups 3 months after treatment (P < 0.001). However, the treatment groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study it was concluded that, GCF levels of IL-17 changed significantly after treatment regardless of treatment modality.

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of cytokines/chemokines in chronic periodontitis: a meta-analysis

AIMS

To compare gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokines/chemokines levels between periodontally healthy subjects and subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (ChP), before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment, and to establish their predictive value for periodontal disease progression.

METHODS

Studies indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE published in English, Portuguese and Spanish were eligible for this review. Database searches up to December 2015, and manual search of the reference list from reviews and selected articles was performed. Only studies providing data on GCF cytokines/chemokines levels in subjects diagnosed with ChP and periodontally healthy controls were included. Cross-sectional, case series, single-arm clinical studies, randomized controlled trials and prospective/retrospective cohort studies were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for those cytokines/chemokines with at least three available studies.

RESULTS

GCF levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and MCP-1/CCL2 were significantly higher in subjects diagnosed with ChP than periodontally healthy subjects. A significant decrease in GCF levels of IL-1β and IL-17 was observed after non-surgical periodontal treatment, whereas a significant increase was observed for IL-4.

CONCLUSION

Evidence for significant differences between periodontal health and ChP was observed for a few cytokines and one chemokine. No conclusions could be drawn with regards to increased risk of disease progression.

Acute Phase Proteins and Their Role in Periodontitis: A Review

Acute phase proteins are a class of proteins whose plasma concentration increase (positive acute phase proteins) or decrease (negative acute phase proteins) in response to inflammation. This response is called as the acute phase reaction, also called as acute phase response, which occurs approximately 90 minutes after the onset of a systemic inflammatory reaction. In Periodontitis endotoxins released from gram negative organisms present in the sub gingival plaque samples interact with Toll- like receptors (TLR) that are expressed on the surface of Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) and monocytes which are in abundance in periodontal inflammation. The complex formed due to interaction of Endotoxins and TLR activates the Signal transduction pathway in both innate and adaptive immunity resulting in production of Cytokines that co- ordinate the local and systemic inflammatory response. The pro inflammatory cytokines originating at the diseased site activates the liver cells to produce acute phase proteins as a part of non specific response. The production of Acute phase proteins is regulated to a great extent by Cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and to a lesser extent by Glucocorticoid hormones. These proteins bind to bacteria leading to activation of complement proteins that destroys pathogenic organisms. Studies have shown that levels of acute phase proteins are increased in otherwise healthy adults with poor periodontal status. This article highlights about the synthesis, structure, types and function of acute phase proteins and the associated relation of acute phase proteins in Periodontitis.

Is Photodynamic Therapy an Effective Treatment for Periodontal and Peri-Implant Infections?

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted much attention for the treatment of pathogenic biofilm associated with peridontitis and peri-implantitis. However, data from randomized controlled clinical studies (RCTs) are limited and, to some extent, controversial, making it difficult to provide appropriate recommendations. Therefore, the aims of the present study were (a) to provide an overview on the current evidence from RCTs evaluating the potential clinical benefit for the additional use of PDT to subgingival mechanical debridement (ie, scaling and root planing) alone in nonsurgical periodontal therapy; and (b) to provide clinical recommendations for the use of PDT in periodontal practice.

Tissue responses to postoperative laser therapy in diabetic rats submitted to excisional wounds

In a previous study about low-level laser therapy biomodulation on a full-thickness burn model we showed that single and fractionated dose regimens increased wound healing and leukocyte influx similarly when compared with untreated control. In order to verify if this finding would be similar in an impaired wound model, we investigated the effect of single and multiple irradiations on wound closure rate, type of inflammatory infiltrate, myofibroblasts, collagen deposition, and optical retardation of collagen in diabetic rats. Female Wistar rats in the same estrous cycle had diabetes induced with streptozotocin and an 8-mm excisional wound performed with a punch. The experimental groups were: control group--untreated ulcer; single-dose group--ulcer submitted to single dose of diode laser therapy (λ = 660 ± 2 nm; P = 30 mW; energy density: 4 J/cm2) and fractionated-dose group--ulcer submitted to 1 J/cm2 laser therapy on Days 1, 3, 8, and 10. The ulcers were photographed on the experimental days and after euthanasia tissue samples were routinely processed for histological and immunohistochemistry analyses. Independently of the energy density, laser therapy accelerated wound closure by approximately 40% in the first three days in comparison to the control group. Laser therapy increased acute inflammatory infiltrate until Day 3. Both laser groups exhibited more myofibroblasts and better collagen organization than the control group. The findings demonstrate that low-level laser therapy in the immediate postoperative period can enhance the tissue repair process in a diabetes model. Similar effects were achieved with laser therapy applied a single time with an energy density of 4 J/cm2 and applied four times with an energy density of 1 J/cm2. The application of laser therapy in the inflammatory phase was the most important factor to the enhancement of the tissue repair process.

Clinical improvement following therapy for periodontitis: Association with a decrease in IL-1 and IL-6

Although a number of inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be associated with periodontal pathogenesis, it is important to investigate further whether these biomarkers are associated with the degree of success in nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to quantify the total levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, -1β, -6, -10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients prior to and following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. In total, 52 GCF samples from disease sites of patients with chronic periodontitis, prior to and following periodontal therapy, and ten non-disease sites from non-periodontitis subjects, were collected and cytokine concentrations were determined using a multiplex method. Periodontal parameters, including bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and the clinical attachment level, in all the sites were recorded. Untreated disease sites exhibited higher cytokine levels in the GCF when compared with the non-disease sites. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the total levels of IL-1α, -1β and -6 in the GCF, but not in IL-10 or TNF-α. The results support the hypothesis that proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6, are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and are good markers to evaluate the success of nonsurgical therapy in disease sites of patients with periodontitis.

Effect of hydrosoluble chlorine-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on clinical parameters and cytokine profile in ligature-induced periodontitis in dogs

BACKGROUND

Recently, a hydrosoluble chlorine composed of sodium salts chlorine e6, chlorine p6, and purpurine-5 has been shown to be a promising photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of adjunctive application of hydrosoluble chlorine-mediated aPDT compared with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone on clinical parameters and cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid of dogs with experimental periodontitis.

METHODS

Periodontal disease was induced by placing silk ligatures around both maxillary and mandibular teeth. After establishment of attachment loss, full-mouth SRP was performed in all dogs. One day after SRP, each quadrant randomly received one of the following treatment modalities: hydrosoluble chlorine plus diode laser (wavelength 662 nm, power 100 mW, continuous mode, time of irradiation 20 seconds), hydrosoluble chlorine alone, laser alone, or no adjunctive treatment. The same adjunctive procedure was repeated 1 week later. Clinical parameters including periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing, as well as crevicular levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, were evaluated at baseline, at 3 weeks, and at 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

After both 3 weeks and 3 months, all treatment groups showed significant improvement in all clinical and immunologic parameters (P <0.001). No significant differences were found between the four groups with regard to the measured parameters (P >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, adjunctive use of hydrosoluble chlorine-mediated aPDT with the current setting has no additional effect on the clinical parameters or proinflammatory cytokine levels in ligature-induced periodontitis.

Single or repeated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as adjunct to ultrasonic debridement in residual periodontal pockets: clinical, microbiological, and local biological effects

This study aims to assess in residual periodontal pockets the clinical, microbiological, and local biological effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT), delivered after ultrasonic instrumentation either once or twice in a 1-week interval. A single center, three-arm randomized longitudinal study was carried out for 6 months. Twenty-eight systemically healthy patients on periodontal maintenance with residual pockets (pocket depth (PD) ≥5 mm, clinical attachment loss ≥2 mm, and bleeding upon probing (BOP+)) were included. Residual pockets on three teeth, separated from each other by at least two other teeth, served as study sites. After ultrasonic debridement, they were randomly assigned to either PDT delivered twice within 1 week (group A), PDT delivered only once (group B), or sham treatment without activating the laser (group C). Methylene blue was applied with a blunt irrigator tip into the pockets. Sites were irradiated with laser light at a wavelength of 670 nm using a light-diffusing tip introduced into the pocket. Initial PD was 5.9 ± 0.9, 6.3 ± 1.3, and 6.3 ± 1.5 mm in groups A, B, and C, respectively, differences being nonsignificant. PD was significantly reduced in all groups. At month 3, PD was significantly lower in groups A (2.9 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.04) and B (2.8 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.03) compared to group C (3.5 ± 1.2 mm). At month 6, none of the sites in group A had persisting pockets PD >4 mm and BOP+, whereas two sites in group B and four sites in group C stayed in this category. Detection frequencies of the studied microorganisms at >1,000 and >100.000 cells/ml did not change significantly from baseline to months 3 or 6 in any group. A significant overall decrease was observed from baseline to month 6 for C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, procalcitonin, and α-2 macroglobulin. When looking at the groups separately, C-reactive protein was significantly lower only if the laser had been activated twice (p < 0.05). Other differences between groups were not significant. A single or double episodes of PDT had some additional benefit over ultrasonic instrumentation alone.

Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy used alone or adjunctive to scaling root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis. The meta-analysis was conducted according to the QUOROM statement and recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. An extensive literature search was performed on seven databases, followed by a manual search. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for clinical attachment level, probing depth and gingival recession. The I(2) test was used for inter-study heterogeneity; visual asymmetry inspection of the funnel plot, Egger's regression test and the trim-and-fill method were used to investigate publication bias. At 3 months, significant differences in clinical attachment level (p = 0.006) and probing depth reduction (p = 0.02) were observed for scaling root planing with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, while no significant differences were retrieved for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy used alone; at 6 months no significant differences were observed for any investigated outcome. Neither heterogeneity nor publication bias was detected. The use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy adjunctive to conventional treatment provides short-term benefits, but microbiological outcomes are contradictory. There is no evidence of effectiveness for the use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as alternative to scaling root planing. Long-term randomized controlled clinical trials reporting data on microbiological changes and costs are needed to support the long-term efficacy of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and the reliability of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as alternative treatment to scaling root planing.