ILs and MMPs Levels in Inflamed Human Dental Pulp: A Systematic Review

Abstract

A wide range of mediators are released from the pulp tissue because of bacterial invasion which causes inflammation. Interleukins (ILs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a leading role in initiating and spreading of inflammation because of their synergic action. Biomarkers such as ILs and MMPs can be identified via several methods, establishing the inflammatory response of the dental pulp. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the levels of ILs and/or MMPs in human dental pulp. PubMed, OVID, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science and Wiley online library databases were searched for original clinical studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a quality assessment of studies was performed based on a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In the review were included articles that evaluated the presence of ILs and/or MMPs in pulp tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or western blot or multiplex assay. Six articles were included in the present synthesis. Although various diagnostic methods were used, statistically significant higher levels of ILs and/or MMPs were mostly found in the experimental groups compared to healthy pulp samples. The biomarkers studied can be a promising tool to evaluate pulp tissue health or even in pulpitis treatment.

Co‐initiators of polymerization can modulate the inflammatory cytokine release without major cytotoxic effects in human dental pulp cells

“…45 On the other hand, the IL-6 proinflammatory cytokine can stimulate tissue degradation through increasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels and to induce the differentiation of mature B lymphocytes to plasma cells. 46 The inflammatory cytokine IL-8 was up-regulated after 24 h stimulation, showing that all co-initiators might trigger an initial inflammatory response, depending on the concentration tested. At basal levels, IL-8 was the most expressed molecule; after stimulation, its levels were even higher, reaching $100 times more than IL-10 for some compounds.…”

“…Produced at the early stages of inflammation, IL‐8 is responsible for inducing chemotaxis, which is the directed migration of cells to a site of inflammation and mediates the activation and migration of neutrophils 45 . On the other hand, the IL‐6 pro‐inflammatory cytokine can stimulate tissue degradation through increasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels and to induce the differentiation of mature B lymphocytes to plasma cells 46 …”

Insights on the role of cytokines in carious lesions

“…IL-4 is considered an inflammatory mediator with a significant increase in the reversible and irreversible stages of dental pulp inflammation compared to normal pulp tissue [61]. Although there are several investigations on IL-6 levels and its link to dental caries, there is limited data in the literature in general on the levels of different interleukins in pulp in association with carious lesions, especially IL-4.…”

Biochemical Mapping of the Inflamed Human Dental Pulp

“…Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and participate in tissue homeostasis [4,7]. MMPs take part in inflammation pathogenesis; the stimulation of protective innate and adaptative immune response; tissue destruction; and the spread of inflammation if they have uncontrolled activity.…”

“…MMPs take part in inflammation pathogenesis; the stimulation of protective innate and adaptative immune response; tissue destruction; and the spread of inflammation if they have uncontrolled activity. The degenerative potential of MMPs is balanced by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and nonspecific protein inhibitors (α-2 macroglobulin) [7]. MMP-9 is produced by PMNs, which are numerous in inflamed dental pulps, and is considered a marker of pulp tissue breakdown [8].…”