Literature Review: The Role of Cytokines in the Oral Cavity of Diabetics

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic inflammation and can affect various organs, one of which is oral health. The oral cavity in diabetic patients has several symptoms, some of them are dry mouth, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and others. The immune system is a very complex body defense, and provides a variety of responses. The response can be through innate or adaptive immunity. Scientific advances have revealed a wealth of information about the numerous types of cytokines that contribute to this response. Cytokines are small protein molecules secreted by cells that have a specific influence on cell contacts and communication. Some researchers explained that there are several mechanisms of action in diabetes such as the role of macrophages, cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and more. Besides that, diabetes can affect the rate of saliva resulting in various changes in other conditions in the oral cavity. Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the risk variables that can rise if the patient has diabetes, and it is the most common oral problem associated with diabetes. microbiome is another aspect that can contribute to changes in cytokine responses as well as other immunological factors. The relationship between diabetes and oral disease demands an increasing need to research to regulate both diseases and contribute to the advancement of oral medicine.