T helper 17 cell-related cytokines in serum and saliva during management of periodontitis

Analysis of preoperative serum cytokine levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

This study investigates preoperative serum cytokine levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study included 51 patients with OSCC and 42 healthy controls (HCs). Serum samples of 12 cytokines were analyzed using a multiplex bead-based flow cytometry immunoassay. Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant indicators of OSCC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated the diagnostic performance.Spearman analysis was assessed the correlation between cytokines and tumor-node-metastasis staging of OSCC. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12P70, IL-17, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with OSCC than in HCs. IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12P70, IL-17, IFN-γ, combination 1 (IL-6 and IL-8), and combination 2 (IL-6 and IL-12P70) had area under the curve (AUC) values > 0.7, with combination 2 exhibited the highest AUC of 0.995. Serum cytokine profiles were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the patients with OSCC and HCs. IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12P70, IL-17, IFN-γ, combination 1, and combination 2 effectively distinguished between HCs and patients with OSCC. Cytokine combinations enhanced OSCC diagnostic accuracy, with significantly elevated IL-6 levels (P < 0.05) in advanced-stage compared to early-stage OSCC, indicating its potential impact on disease progression and prognosis.

Comparative analysis of salivary cytokine profiles in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with cancer and healthy children

Salivary cytokines have the potential to serve as biomarkers for evaluating cancer progression and treatment response in specific cancer types. This study explored salivary cytokine profiles in pediatric cancer patients and healthy controls, examining changes during chemotherapy. We conducted a prospective study involving newly diagnosed cancer patients and healthy controls under 19 years old. Saliva samples were collected at diagnosis, and three and six months post-diagnosis for cancer patients, while healthy controls provided samples at a single time point. Cytokine levels were analyzed using Luminex technology. Our study included 19 cancer patients (10 with leukemia, 5 with lymphoma, and 4 with solid tumors) and 128 healthy controls aged 4 to 18 years. At diagnosis, patients with leukemia and solid tumors showed elevated levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor. After three months, IL-6, IL-10, and inducible protein-10 levels significantly increased, while IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-8 rose by six months. These findings indicate that salivary cytokines are elevated at diagnosis and during initial treatment phases in pediatric cancer patients, highlighting saliva's potential as a noninvasive medium for early detection of systemic diseases in children.

Mimicking and in vitro validating chronic inflammation in human gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify and validate in vitro conditions that may mimic the translational, cytokine and chemokine profiles observed in human inflamed gingiva in vivo.

DESIGN

Primary human gingiva fibroblast cells (HFIB-G) were cultured under serum starvation conditions (0 - 10 %), supplemented with increasing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations (0.1, 1, or 10 µg/ml) from two bacterial strains E. coli and P. gingivalis and 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/ml recombinant interleukin 1β (IL-1β), alone or in combinations. The levels of cytokines/chemokines were measured in the cell culture medium by Luminex, and gene expression was quantified by Affymetrix microarrays at 24, 48 and 72 h.

RESULTS

Inflammation markers were not elevated after stimulation with P. gingivalis LPS, while E. coli LPS and IL-1β individually increased the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) to the cell culture medium. IL-1β administration also increased the secretion of several factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNFα). However, the combination of 1 µg/ml E. coli LPS, 1 ng/ml IL-1β and serum starvation led to increased secretion of IL-6, TNFα, in addition to other factors found in inflamed tissue. Gene expression analyses revealed that this combination not only enhanced the expression interleukins/chemokines genes but also T helper cell signaling and matrix metalloproteinases.

CONCLUSION

Serum reduction in cell culture medium together with the administration of E. coli LPS and IL-1β resulted in gene expression and secreted cytokine/chemokine profiles similar to that found in vivo during chronic inflammation.

Salivary IL-33 and sST2 levels in relation to TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism and periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) signalling pathway is involved in the regulation of interleukin (IL)-33 and its receptor suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2). This study aimed to compare salivary IL-33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) levels of periodontitis patients with those of periodontally healthy individuals in relation to their TLR2 rs111200466 23-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism within the promoter region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and periodontal parameters were recorded from 35 periodontally healthy individuals and 44 periodontitis patients. Non-surgical treatments were applied to periodontitis patients, and sample collections and clinical measurements were repeated 3 months following therapy. Salivary IL-33 and sST2 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Elevated salivary IL-33 (p = 0.007) and sST2 (p = 0.020) levels were observed in periodontitis patients, in comparison to controls. sST2 levels declined 3-months following treatment (p < 0.001). Increased salivary IL-33 and sST2 levels were found to be associated with periodontitis, with no significant relation to the TLR2 polymorphism.

CONCLUSION

Periodontitis, but not TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism, is associated with elevated salivary sST2 and possibly IL-33 levels, and periodontal treatment is effective in reducing salivary sST2 levels.

Salivary IL-17 and IL-10 as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of Different Stages of Periodontitis in Smoker and Nonsmoker Patients

OBJECTIVES

 The gold standard in the field of periodontal research currently is to find a valid biomarker that can reliably be used for diagnosing periodontal diseases. Given the limitations of the current diagnostic tools that stall to predict susceptible individuals and determine whether active tissue destruction is occurring, there is an increased urge to develop alternative diagnostic techniques that would compensate for the problems inherited in these available methods, such as measuring levels of biomarkers present in oral fluids such as saliva; so the aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic potential of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-10 to differentiate periodontal health from smoker and nonsmoker periodontitis, and to differentiate among different stages (severities) of periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 An observational case-control study was performed on 175 systemically healthy participants grouped into healthy as controls and periodontitis as cases. Periodontitis cases were divided according to the severity into stages I, II, and III, and each of the stages was further subdivided into smokers and nonsmokers patients. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, clinical parameters were recorded, and salivary levels were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

 Elevated levels of IL-17 and IL-10 were associated with stage I and II compared with the healthy controls. However, a significant decrease in stage III was observed compared with the control group for both biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

 Salivary IL-17 and IL-10 might be useful for distinguishing periodontal health from periodontitis; however, further research is needed to substantiate their use as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontitis.

Unrevealing the connection between real sample analysis and analytical method. The case of cytokines

Cytokines are compounds that belong to a special class of signaling biomolecules that are responsible for several functions in the human body, being involved in cell growth, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. Thus, they represent valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and drug therapy monitoring certain medical conditions. Because cytokines are secreted in the human body, they can be detected in both conventional samples, such as blood or urine, but also in samples less used in medical practice such as sweat or saliva. As the importance of cytokines was identified, various analytical methods for their determination in biological fluids were reported. The gold standard in cytokine detection is considered the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and the most recent ones have been considered and compared in this study. It is known that the conventional methods are accompanied by a few disadvantages that new methods of analysis, especially electrochemical sensors, are trying to overcome. Electrochemical sensors proved to be suited for the elaboration of integrated, portable, and wearable sensing devices, which could also facilitate cytokines determination in medical practice.

Association of Periodontitis and Atopic Dermatitis with the Levels of IL-13, IL-31, and TSLP in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid

Emerging epidemiological evidence links atopic dermatitis (AD) and periodontitis, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Th2-derived cytokines are key in the development of both diseases, and different gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) profiles among healthy and diseased subjects have been previously reported. This case-control study examined the GCF levels of interleukins (IL)-13, IL-31, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in 29 subjects with moderate-to-severe AD and 33 controls. All subjects underwent comprehensive clinical and oral evaluations, followed by GCF collection. GCF levels of IL-13, IL-31, and TSLP were assessed using a multiplex-bead immunoassay. Demographic and periodontal parameters were similar among groups (p > 0.05). The GCF levels of IL-31 and TSLP were higher in AD subjects compared to controls (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences in the GCF levels of IL-13 were noticed (p = 0.377). Moderate-to-severe AD was positively associated with the GCF levels of IL-31 and TSLP, whereas severe periodontitis was negatively associated with IL-31 (p < 0.05). The GCF levels of IL-13 showed no significant associations with either condition (p = 0.689). There was no significant interaction between AD and periodontitis for IL-31 (p < 0.869). These results suggest that AD and periodontitis independently influence the GCF levels of IL-31 in opposing ways, whereas AD alone influences the levels of TSLP.

Is There a Similarity in Serum Cytokine Profile between Patients with Periodontitis or 2019-Novel Coronavirus Infection?-A Scoping Review

On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared a global emergency as a result of the 'novel coronavirus infection', which emerged from Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread across international borders. There is vast evidence that supports a direct link between oral cavities and this systemic circulation, but it is still unclear if oral conditions like periodontitis influenced the COVID-19 disease outcome. This scoping review highlights the fact that both periodontitis and COVID-19 independently increase serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, however there is a lack of documentation on if this biochemical profile synergizes with COVID-19 and/or periodontal severity in the same individuals. The purpose of this scoping review is to accumulate existing data on the serums IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in COVID-19 and periodontitis patients and check if periodontitis negatively impacts the COVID-19 outcome, educating the population about the implications of COVID-19-related complications on their oral health, and vice versa, and motivating patients towards oral hygiene maintenance.

IL17F Expression as an Early Sign of Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity/Apoptosis

Interleukin 17F (IL17F) has been found to be involved in various inflammatory pathologies and has recently become a target for therapeutic purposes. In contrast to IL17F secreted by immune cells, the focus of this study is to describe the triggers of IL17F release in non-immune cells with a particular focus on IL17F-induced fibrosis. IL17F induction was examined in human lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) and myeloid cell lines as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after in vitro exposure to aqueous cigarette smoke extract (CSE), inorganic mercury, cadmium or the apoptosis inducer brefeldin A. Fibrosis was examined in vitro, evaluating the transition of human primary dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. We observed that all stressors were able to induce IL17F gene expression regardless of cell type. Interestingly, its induction was associated with cytotoxic/apoptotic signs. Inhibiting oxidative stress by N-acetylcysteine abrogated CSE-induced cytotoxic and IL17F-inducing effects. The induction of IL17F was accompanied by IL17F protein expression. The transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts was not influenced by either recombinant IL17F or supernatants of CSE-exposed BEAS-2B. In addition to IL17F secretion by specialized or activated immune cells, we underscored the cell type-independent induction of IL17F by mechanisms of inhibitable oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. However, IL17F was not involved in dermal fibrosis under the conditions used in this study.

The role of Th17 cells: explanation of relationship between periodontitis and COPD?

Periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic inflammatory diseases with common risk factors, such as long-term smoking, age, and social deprivation. Many observational studies have shown that periodontitis and COPD are correlated. Moreover, they share a common pathophysiological process involving local accumulation of inflammatory cells and cytokines and damage of soft tissues. The T helper 17 (Th17) cells and the related cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, play a crucial regulatory role during the pathophysiological process. This paper reviewed the essential roles of Th17 lineage in the occurrence of periodontitis and COPD. The gaps in the study of their common pathological mechanism were also evaluated to explore future research directions. Therefore, this review can provide study direction for the association between periodontitis and COPD and new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the two diseases.

Evaluation of serum interleukin-33 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) receptors in patients with and without periodontal disease

Context

: Interleukin-33 and its receptor soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2.

(

sST2) play an important role in inflammation and its role in periodontal disease is yet unclear. The role of both IL-33 and sST2 together in periodontal disease as biomarkers has never been studied.

Aim

: To assess the levels of IL-33 and sST2 in serum samples of patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects.

Methods

: A total of 71 subjects (30 healthy subjects and 41 patients with periodontal disease) were included in the cross-sectional study. Community Periodontal Index (CPI) was used to assess periodontal health by utilizing a mouth mirror and a CPI probe. Venous blood was collected and serum was separated. Serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay.

Statistical Analysis

Graph Pad Prism 5 was used for statistical analysis. Mann Whitney test was applied to compare the two groups.

Results

: The level of IL-33 was not found to be elevated among healthy subjects and sST2 was found elevated among patients with periodontal disease. The serum concentration of IL-33 was found at 472 ± 114 pg/ml and 282 ± 77 pg/ml among healthy subjects and patients with periodontal disease respectively. Significantly higher values of sST2 at 28 ± 2 ng/ml were found among periodontal patients as compared to healthy subjects with values of 18 ± 1 ng/ml. No significant differences were noted between mild to moderate and severe periodontitis for IL-33 and sST2 between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study shows alteration in serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 in periodontitis patients. IL-33 and sST2 may be potential inflammatory markers of periodontitis. Further studies are required on a large sample size for better understanding. This pilot study is the first to assess the serum levels of both IL-33 and sST2 together among patients with and without periodontal disease.

Levels of myeloid-related proteins in saliva for screening and monitoring of periodontal disease

AIM

To evaluate the salivary levels of myeloid-related markers in relation to periodontal disease and their potential screening capability, as well as the effects of periodontal treatment on these markers in periodontitis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with a healthy periodontium (n = 60) and with gingivitis (n = 63) and periodontitis (n = 72) were recruited. Periodontitis patients received non-surgical treatment and were re-examined after 3 and 6 months. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy for the periodontitis patients. Levels of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), interleukin-34 (IL-34), S100A8/A9, S100A12, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), IL-1β, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) were analysed by immunoassays.

RESULTS

CSF-1, S100A8/A9, S100A12, IL-1β, MMP-8, and HGF were significantly elevated in saliva from periodontitis and gingivitis patients in comparison to healthy individuals, whereas IL-34 was significantly lower in periodontitis compared to both healthy individuals and gingivitis patients. IL-34 increased significantly 3 months after treatment, while IL-1β and MMP-8 decreased 1 month after therapy. Additionally, periodontitis patients clustered in high and low levels of S100A8/A9, whereby those with high levels had more bleeding, deeper pockets, and higher S100A12.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary levels of myeloid-related markers are altered in periodontitis and are partially modulated by periodontal treatment. Measuring S100A8/A9 in saliva may identify distinct groups of periodontitis patients.

Xingbi Gel Ameliorates Allergic Rhinitis by Regulating IFN-γ Gene Promoter Methylation in CD4+ T Cells via the ERK-DNMT Pathway

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common, non-infectious, chronic nasal mucosal disease primarily mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) following allergen exposure. Currently, studies on AR mainly focus on cytokines, IgE and its receptors, basophils, eosinophils, mast cells, and related genes. Among these, an imbalance between T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells is considered an important mechanism underlying AR pathogenesis. The most important cytokines in AR are interleukin (Il)-4 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) which are secreted by Th2 and Th1 cells, respectively. Il-4 and IFN-γ are antagonistic to each other in regulating IgE synthesis. In this study, the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 and its phosphorylation from p-ERK1/2, were significantly increased in a cluster of differentiation of 4+ T cells of AR mice, suggesting that the ERK signaling pathway in these cells is involved in the occurrence and development of AR. This result also implies an enhanced expression of deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferases (DNMTs). To verify the relationship between ERK signaling and DNMT expression, AR mice were treated with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The results revealed that perturbations in ERK signaling were significantly positively correlated with the downregulation of DNMT1 expression. Pharmacological intervention is key to treating AR. This study demonstrated that Xingbi gel intervention affected both serum IgE levels and AR behavior scores in mice. Based on its effects on IFN-γ gene expression, the regulation of Th1/Th2 balance, and the ERK signaling pathway, research on the effects of Xingbi gel on AR may provide new avenues in its prevention and treatment.