transforming-growth-factor-alpha and Gingivitis

Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Animals; Biomarkers; Bone Resorption; Collagen; Collagen Type I; Endothelial Growth Factors; Epidermal Growth Factor; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Glycosaminoglycans; Growth Substances; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lymphokines; Osteocalcin; Peptides; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Periodontitis; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Protein Isoforms; Proteoglycans; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Inflammatory mediators, especially cytokine, play a central role in the pathogenesis of gingivitis. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the various growth factors, and cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with gingivitis, as compared with those of control subjects. The levels of cytokine in the samples were determined by their respective ELISAs. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and osteoprotegerin (OPG) level were significantly lower in patients with gingivitis than in the controls (p < 0.05). Also, there was a positive correlation between TGF-alpha and OPG levels (r = 0.761). These results suggest that the decrease in growth factor TGF-alpha is associated with the pathophysiology and/or the progress of gingivitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoprotegerin; Transforming Growth Factor alpha