leukotriene-b4 and Gingivitis

Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators may play a significant role in patients with gingivitis. The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term effects of the systemic administration of two different concentrations of aspirin (81 and 325 mg/day, by mouth) on clinical periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of 15-epi-lipoxin A4 (15-epi-LXA4), lipoxin A4, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin (IL)-6 and -1beta in a sample of naturally occurring gingivitis patients.. At day 0, after initial screening for entry, baseline periodontal parameters, including bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depths (PDs), and plaque index (PI) were measured, and GCF was sampled from 12 intrasulcular sites with filter paper strips for the measurement of six types of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators using competitive enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (prevalues). Forty-seven subjects were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: placebo (15 subjects); aspirin, 81 mg (16 subjects); and aspirin, 325 mg (16 subjects) once daily. On day 7, subjects were recalled for the measurement of periodontal parameters and collection of GCF samples for the measurement of six types of mediators (postvalues).. Changes in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator levels were not statistically significant for any of the three treatment groups. However, when pre- and postvalues were compared in the subjects receiving aspirin, 325 mg, there was a negative trend in the relationship between 15-epi-LXA4 and PGE2, whereas the relationship between LTB4 and PGE2 was not as strong. This might indicate that the subjects responding to aspirin-mediated PGE2 suppression effects produced higher 15-epi-LXA4 in GCF than non-responders. No statistically significant differences in PD and PI between pre- and postvalues were found for any of the three treatment groups. However, the results demonstrated a significant increase in BOP when aspirin, 325 mg was compared to placebo (P <0.001) and aspirin, 81 mg (P = 0.001).. Aspirin can have an affect on BOP in naturally occurring gingivitis patients. Although most of the inflammatory mediators did not show significantly detectable changes after aspirin treatment for 7 days, the trend of aspirin-associated increases of 15-epi-LXA4 implied that this recently discovered aspirin-dependent eicosanoid may be associated with the increased incidence of BOP observed in the subjects who received aspirin therapy.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Dental Plaque Index; Dinoprostone; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Leukotriene B4; Lipoxins; Male; Periodontal Pocket; Placebos

Gingivitis and periodontitis, two frequently observed conditions in dogs, are primarily caused by bacterial plaque. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and some of the biochemical substances contained in it are used diagnostically and to evaluate the success of treatment. A double-blind study using a crossover design was conducted to evaluate treatment with clindamycin hydrochloride on the amount of GCF and concentrations of its immune mediators (leukotriene B4 [LTB4], prostaglandin E2 [PGE2], and polymorphonuclear [PMN] elastase) in dogs. Ten dogs received clindamycin orally at 11 mg/kg/day for 14 days, and 10 dogs remained untreated as controls. After a 5-month rest period, the treatments were reversed. At the beginning and end of each series, the volume of GCF was measured and plaque and gingival indices were assessed on six reference teeth of each patient. Concentrations of LTB4, PGE2, and PMN elastase were determined by ELISA. In both series, plaque and gingival indices dropped significantly (P < or = .0001) in dogs treated with clindamycin. The volume of GCF also declined significantly (P< or = .0001) following treatment and levels of PGE2, PMN elastase, and LTB4 were significantly (P < or = .05) reduced in both series. The antimicrobial effect of clindamycin is not only due to high levels in the blood and saliva, but also to its presence in the gingival crevice.

Topics: Animals; Clindamycin; Cross-Over Studies; Dental Plaque; Dinoprostone; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Leukotriene B4; Male; Pancreatic Elastase

Polyunsaturated fatty acids have the potential to attenuate inflammation by the synthesis of mediators of the 15-lipoxygenase pathways, which show opposite effects to the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites such as leukotriene B4 (LTB4).. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effects of topical application of n-6 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with experimental gingivitis.. In each subject, similar teeth served as experimental and control over a 21-day non-hygiene phase and a 9-day resolving phase. Efficacy assessment was based on the bleeding on probing frequency (BOP) and the gingivocrevicular fluid volume (GCF). GCF was determined by inserting a filter paper strip for 30 s and measurements were performed on a Periotron 8000. The LTB4 concentration was analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography.. After 21 days of plaque growth, the BOP, GCF and LTB4 levels were significantly increased in all groups, with no differences between the control and experimental side. Rinsing of an area with established gingivitis for a 9-day period significantly reduced the GCF in the n-6 group (71.9 (18.7) versus 47.4 (11.4) Periotron Units, median (inter quartile range)).. The topical application of n-6 or n-6 fatty acids failed to inhibit the development of experimental gingivitis. Rinsing with n-6 fatty acids could reduce the level of GCF in established experimental gingivitis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Case-Control Studies; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Double-Blind Method; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Fish Oils; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Male; Matched-Pair Analysis; Mouthwashes; Normal Distribution; Statistics, Nonparametric; Triglycerides

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a chlorhexidine/thymol-containing dental varnish on the levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). The material consisted of 15 adolescents undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Four buccal sites adjacent to bands or brackets and exhibiting a mild chronic gingival inflammation were selected in the upper quadrants of each patient. According to a split-mouth technique, the first and second quadrants were randomly treated with either a varnish (Cervitec) containing 1% chlorhexidine diacetate and thymol (CHX/thymol) or a placebo varnish without active ingredients. The varnishes were applied immediately after the baseline registration, and follow-up examinations were carried out after 3, 8, and 30 days. GCF was sampled with the aid of a paper strip and the volume was determined using a Periotron 8000. The concentrations of PGE2, PGI2, LTB4, and IL-1 beta in GCF were assessed using radioimmunoassay and ELISA techniques. The results unveiled statistically significant reductions of PGE2, PGI2, and LTB4 levels in GCF following the active varnish treatment when compared to baseline values. A slight drop in IL-1 beta levels was registered after both active and placebo varnish applications, but the differences were not significant. The results suggest that treatment with an antibacterial varnish decreases the levels of inflammatory mediators PGE2, PGI2, and LTB4 in gingival crevicular fluid and further support the concept that topical application of a CHX/thymol-containing varnish is beneficial in patients with chronic gingival inflammation.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Dinoprostone; Drug Combinations; Epoprostenol; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Interleukin-1; Leukotriene B4; Male; Orthodontic Appliances; Prostaglandins; Thymol

The anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFA on the gingivae has already been demonstrated in animal models. The aim of this double-blind, randomized pilot study versus placebo is to evaluate this action in human experimentally-induced gingivitis. For 14 days (D0-D14), 37 healthy volunteers practised intensive oral hygiene, then abstained from brushing their teeth for 21 days (D14 to D35). On D28, the patients were randomized into 2 groups: 18 received the drug (fish oil: 30% n-3 PUFA) and 19 received the placebo (olive oil containing only 1% of n-3 PUFA) at a daily dosage of 6 g (i.e., 1.8 g of n-3 PUFA) 3x for 8 days (D28-D35). The plaque (PI), gingival (GI) and papillary bleeding (PBI) indices were measured on D14, D28 and D35. On D28 and D35, 10 volunteers underwent removal of an inter-dental vestibular papilla, between the 1st and the 2nd superior premolars, to measure out arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). A gingival biopsy was also taken in another 11 patients, to assay prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). The clinical results of the trial demonstrated, in particular, a significant reduction of GI in the treated group (p < 0.05, Student t-test), but no significant difference between the groups. The biochemical results showed that EPA, DHA and DPA were found in the cells sampled, at higher levels in the subjects taking the drug, with a significant difference for EPA between the 2 groups (p < 0.05, Student t-test). The levels of AA, PGE2 and LTB4 are reduced in the experimental group and increased in the control group, with no significant difference. The LTB4 levels decreased but this difference just failed to reach significance (p = 0.09. Student t-test). This human experimental gingivitis study demonstrated that n-3 PUFA induced a tendency towards reduced inflammation but it was not possible to conclude significant efficacy.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arachidonic Acids; Dental Plaque Index; Dinoprostone; Disease Models, Animal; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Double-Blind Method; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Fish Oils; Gingiva; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Male; Olive Oil; Periodontal Index; Pilot Projects; Placebos; Plant Oils

A clinical trial was undertaken to examine the effects of a potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor, flurbiprofen, on both developing and established gingivitis in humans. 21 subjects with healthy gingiva abstained from all oral hygiene procedures for 21 days. 7 subjects were prescribed flurbiprofen, 50 mg b.d. beginning from baseline and a control group (Cl, n = 14) were given placebo. Gingival redness and bleeding on probing were assessed at baseline, 7, 14 and 21 days. Crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were also taken to determine concentrations of PGE2, TxB2 and LTB4 at baseline and at 21 days. Results show that flurbiprofen significantly inhibited the development of redness and bleeding (p < 0.001) effects which were associated with a significant inhibition of TxB2 (p < 0.05). There were no apparent flurbiprofen effects on GCF-PGE2 or GCF-LTB4 during this 21-day gingivitis, model To assess the effects of flurbiprofen on established experimental gingivitis, the model was extended to 28 days. On day 21, the Cl group was subdivided into 2 groups of 7 subjects. One group was prescribed flurbiprofen (50 mg b.d.) for 7 days and controls (C2) continued to take placebo. All subjects continued to abstain from tooth cleaning. Pretreatment (day 21) and post-treatment (day 28) comparisons showed that flurbiprofen again significantly inhibited bleeding (p < 0.001), but did not affect redness. Control subjects demonstrated a significant elevation in gingival bleeding on day 28, and this was associated with significant rises in GCF-PGE2 (p < 0.001), GCF-TxB2 (p < 0.01) and GCF-LTB4 (p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Dinoprostone; Female; Flurbiprofen; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Thromboxane B2

Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is a membrane-derived lipid mediator formed from arachidonic acid. LTB(4) is among the most potent stimulants of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and, thus, participates in tissue injury by recruiting PMNs in a pathophysiologic scenario of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between clinical parameters and concentrations of LTB(4) within gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from inflamed gingiva and periodontitis sites before and after the treatment of periodontitis.. Sixty subjects were divided into three groups with 20 subjects in each group: healthy (group 1), gingivitis (group 2), and chronic periodontitis (group 3). Groups were based on periodontal disease index (PDI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and radiographic evidence of bone loss. Group 4 consisted of the subjects in group 3 at 6 to 8 weeks after treatment, i.e., scaling and root planing (SRP). GCF samples collected from each patient were quantified for LTB(4) using an enzymatic immunometric assay. In addition, the correlation between in situ LTB(4) levels and clinical parameters was analyzed in each group.. The highest mean LTB(4) concentration in GCF was observed in group 3 (185.2 pg/microl), and the lowest was observed in group 1 (39.6 pg/microl). Its level in group 3 decreased to 79.35 pg/microl after treatment (group 4). Further, GCF LTB(4) levels in all groups showed a statistically significant positive correlation with PDI and CAL (P <0.005).. The substantial increase in GCF LTB(4) concentrations with the severity of periodontal disease and a concomitant decrease in its level following SRP in subjects with periodontitis suggest a possible role for LTB(4) in the progression of periodontal disease.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Dental Scaling; Disease Progression; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Male; Periodontitis; Statistics, Nonparametric

The aim was to study the levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from Down syndrome patients exhibiting gingival inflammation. The levels of PGE2, LTB4, and MMP-9 were determined in GCF from 18 Down syndrome patients and from 14 controls matched with respect to age and degree of gingival inflammation. Probing depth (PD) and gingival inflammation, assessed by bleeding on probing (BOP), were determined around all teeth. In each patient, GCF was collected from 6 sites (16m, 26m, 36m, 46m, 41m, 11d) using periopaper, and the volume was determined using Peritron 8000. The PGE2 and LTB4 levels were determined using RIA kits and MMP-9 level using ELISA kits. The degree of gingival inflammation, expressed as mean value of BOP (%) as well as the volume of GCF, was similar between Down syndrome patients and controls. The mean levels of PGE2, LTB4, and MMP-9 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in GCF from Down syndrome patients compared to controls. When comparing the two groups, the correlation coefficients for LTB4 to BOP and PD, respectively, as well as for MMP-9 to BOP significantly differed between Down syndrome and controls (P<0.05). The study supports the concept of an altered host response in periodontal tissue in Down syndrome subjects.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Case-Control Studies; Child; Dinoprostone; Down Syndrome; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingival Pocket; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Linear Models; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Periodontal Index

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a product of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, exhibits numerous activities that can account for most of the features of host responses seen in periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of LTB4 in the pathogenesis of specific periodontal diseases.. LTB4 levels were investigated in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and gingival tissue (GT) samples of 10 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 12 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), 6 patients with localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP), 6 patients with gingivitis (G), and 6 periodontally healthy subjects (H). Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, gingival index, papillary bleeding index, and plaque index. LTB4 was extracted from the samples by solid-phase method using C18 cartridge and was purified by high performance liquid chromatographic method and then analyzed by radioimmunoassay.. All patient groups had significantly higher levels of GCF and GT LTB4 compared to the control group (P<0.005). The CP patients had the highest LTB4 levels compared to those in other patient groups (P<0.005). GAgP, LAgP, and G groups had similar amounts of GCF and GT LTB4 (P>0.005). When the data were expressed as concentration, the CP group was found to have higher concentration of LTB4, compared to that of control group (P<0.005). GAgP, LAgP, and G groups had similar LTB4 concentration compared to that of control group (P>0.005). No significant difference was found between GAgP, LAgP, and G groups (P>0.005). The CP group had higher LTB4 concentration compared to both GAgP and LAgP groups (P<0.005). Although the CP group had a higher GCF LTB4 concentration compared to G group, this difference did not reach significance (P>0.005). No significant correlation was found between GCF and GT LTB4 levels and clinical parameters.. The results of the present study indicate that LTB4 is likely to be an important mediator in regulating inflammatory responses in the human periodontal tissues. This lipid mediator may play an important role in the pathophysiology of periodontal disease.

Topics: Adult; Aggressive Periodontitis; Case-Control Studies; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chronic Disease; Female; Gingiva; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontitis; Radioimmunoassay; Statistics, Nonparametric

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressant effectively used to prevent organ transplant rejection and also to treat several systemic diseases. CsA-induced gingival overgrowth (CsA GO) is the most widely seen side effect of this drug; its pathogenesis is not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and platelet activating factor (PAF) in the pathogenesis of CsA GO.. LTB4 and PAF levels were detected in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from renal transplant patients receiving CsA therapy and exhibiting CsA GO, from patients with gingivitis and from periodontally healthy subjects. Plaque index, papilla bleeding index, and hyperplastic index were recorded at each study site. GCF samples and clinical data were obtained from: 2 sites exhibiting CsA GO (CsA GO+) and 2 sites not exhibiting CsA GO (CsA GO-) in each CsA-treated patient; 2 diseased sites in each patient with gingivitis; and 2 healthy sites in each subject with clinically healthy periodontium. LTB4 was extracted from the samples by solid-phase method using C18 cartridge and purified by high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method and analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). PAF was extracted from GCF samples passing through amberlit resin columns, purified by HPLC, and analyzed by RIA.. Total amounts of LTB4 and PAF in GCF were higher in CsA GO+ sites compared to the healthy sites from healthy controls. However, the amount of LTB4 and PAF elevation in CsA GO+ sites was not significantly higher than those in diseased sites. Clinical degrees of gingival inflammation were also similar between CsA GO+ and diseased sites. LTB4 and PAF total amounts in GCF were higher in CsA GO+ sites compared to CsA GO- sites in the same subjects, but this difference just failed to reach significance. Similar findings were obtained with concentration data.. The results of this study indicate that CsA therapy does not have a significant effect on GCF LTB4 and PAF levels and that gingival inflammation seems to be the main reason for their elevation. In CsA-treated patients, alterations in LTB4 and PAF levels might play a role in CsA GO through some asyet unknown mechanism. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the levels of lipid mediators in GCF of CsA-treated patients. We assume that further studies will contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of CsA-induced gingival overgrowth.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cyclosporine; Dental Plaque Index; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingival Hyperplasia; Gingival Overgrowth; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Leukotriene B4; Male; Periodontium; Platelet Activating Factor; Radioimmunoassay

The arachidonic acid metabolites prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are inflammatory mediators which are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. PGE2 mediates vasodilatation, increases vascular permeability, enhances pain perception by bradykinin and histamine, alters connective tissue metabolism and enhances osteoclastic bone resorption. LTB4 causes the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the inflamed sites, and degranulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.. To measure gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of PGE2, LTB4 and periodontal health.. The periodontal condition of 24 subjects was evaluated on the basis of plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and attachment level. GCF samples were collected from one or two site(s) of each sextant per subject and the volume was measured using Periotron 6000. Samples were then assayed for PGE2 and LTB4 using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. Mean PGE2 and LTB4 levels were determined for each subject and group means compared.. Significant differences in the levels of PGE2 and LTB4 were found between patients with periodontitis, and non-periodontitis individuals (P < 0.001). The PGE2/LTB4 levels were positively correlated with the clinical parameters (P < 0.01) and reduced markedly after phase 1 of the periodontal treatment (P < 0.01). The total amount and concentration (ng ml-1) of LTB4 was positively correlated with the gingival index (P < 0.01).. These results indicate that the levels of PGE2 correlated with the severity of the periodontal status, and the levels of LTB4 correlated with gingival inflammation. Thus, our data suggest that the total amounts of PGE2/LTB4 may be good indicators for periodontal inflammation.

Topics: Adult; Alveolar Bone Loss; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Dinoprostone; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Inflammation Mediators; Leukotriene B4; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Periodontium; Regression Analysis; Root Planing; Subgingival Curettage

Ketoprofen creams were evaluated for the treatment of periodontal disease in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study in the rhesus monkeys, Macaca mulatta. Two formulations containing ketoprofen (1%), with or without vitamin E, were evaluated against appropriate controls (8 monkeys per group). Two weeks prior to treatment, the animals received prophylaxis on only the left side of the mouth (spontaneous model). Selected teeth on the right side of the mouth were ligated (ligature model). The creams were administered to the gingiva once daily at a standard dose of 1.8 ml per monkey for 6 months. Clinical assessments were made 2 wk before initiation, at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. The clinical parameters included plaque formation, gingival redness, edema, bleeding on probing and Ramfjord Attachment Level measurements (RAL). Radiographs were taken at 2 wk before initiation, baseline and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Digital, subtraction radiography was used to measure vertical linear bone loss along the interproximal root surfaces of the left and right mandibular first molars. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected for biochemical assays on PGE2, TxB2, LTB4, IL-1 beta and TNF alpha. There were no significant differences among groups with respect to gingival indices. Radiographic data demonstrated significant positive effects on bone activity in both groups treated with ketoprofen formulations with improvement over time in the ligature model (0.01 < or = p < or = 0.04). The placebo group exhibited bone loss of 1.96 +/- 0.48 and 1.40 +/- 0.56 mm per site at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The group treated with ketoprofen cream showed an apparent bone gain of 0.28 +/- 0.41 and 0.78 +/- 0.47 mm per site at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The group treated with ketoprofen cream containing vitamin E showed a mean bone loss of 0.41-0.48 mm per site at 3 months with improvement to an apparent bone gain of 0.31 +/- 0.44 mm per site at 6 months. The biochemical data demonstrated early and significant suppression of GCF-LTB4 by both ketoprofen formulations at 1 month, which preceded the significant suppression of GCF-PGE2 at 2 and 3 months in the ligature model (p < 0.003) and at 2 to 6 months in the spontaneous model (p < 0.02). We conclude that ketoprofen at 1% level in suitable topical vehicles can effectively inhibit GCF-LTB4 and GCF-PGE2 and positively alter alveolar bone activity in the ligature-induced model of periodontitis in the m

Topics: Administration, Topical; Alveolar Bone Loss; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Dental Plaque; Dinoprostone; Double-Blind Method; Edema; Emollients; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Interleukin-1; Ketoprofen; Leukotriene B4; Macaca mulatta; Male; Molar; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontitis; Placebos; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Random Allocation; Subtraction Technique; Thromboxane B2; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Vitamin E

We conducted a study to determine the sequence of cytokine and lipid mediator activation within the periodontium during the development of experimental gingivitis in humans. Crevicular fluid samples were collected from 7 previously cleaned, healthy patients at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks following the cessation of all oral hygiene measures. Gingival and plaque scores were taken at each visit to follow the development of gingivitis and plaque retention. Crevicular fluid samples were assayed in quadruplicate for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TxB2), leukotriene B4, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) by RIAs or ELISAs, maintaining site pairing to examine temporal changes. Redness scores (expressed as mean percentage of sites with redness present) increased almost linearly from a baseline value of zero to approximately 40% at 1 week, 59% at 2 weeks, 83% at 3 weeks and 100% at 4 weeks. The mean % of sites with bleeding on probing increased gradually from zero at baseline to 5% at 3 weeks and then rose abruptly to 25% at 4 weeks. CF-PGE2 and CF-TxB2 levels remained fairly stable at baseline levels for the first 3 weeks then rose sharply by 2.5- and 2-fold, respectively, at 4 weeks. CF-LTB4 levels increased 2-fold by 1 week and 4-fold by 4 weeks. The CF levels of IL-1 beta increased abruptly from mean baseline values of 16.5 +/- 9.3 ng/ml to 131 +/- 76.0 ng/ml at 1 week and remained at this level for the duration of the experiment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Autacoids; Dinoprostone; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Interleukin-1; Leukotriene B4; Thromboxane B2; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha