Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin 6 in Human Periapical Lesions

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in human periapical lesions. Subjects and methods. Samples were obtained from three groups of teeth: symptomatic teeth, asymptomatic lesions, and uninflamed periradicular tissues as a control. Results. TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased in symptomatic lesions compared to control. Group with asymptomatic lesions had significantly higher concentrations compared to control. There were no significant differences in TNF-alpha levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions. In group with symptomatic lesions, IL-6 levels were significantly higher than in group with asymptomatic lesions. The IL-6 levels in symptomatic group also showed significantly higher concentration in comparison with control group. In asymptomatic group, the IL-6 level had significantly higher concentrations compared to control. Conclusion. These results indicate that symptomatic lesions represent an immunologically active stage of disease, and asymptomatic lesions are the point from which the process advances toward healing.

The role of interleukin-6 in pathogenesis of chronic periapical lesions

“…Several authors have published the expression of IL-6 production in human periapical granulomas and cysts. Results of our study showed the presence of IL-6 in all tissue samples of periapical lesions that is in accordance with data from the literature [9,16].…”

“…Brojni podaci pokazuju da IL-6 poseduje i antiinflamatorne aktivnosti. Uloga IL-6 kao antiin fla matornog citokina posreduje kroz inhibitorne efekte TNF-α i IL-1 [9].…”

“…Numerous data indicate that IL-6 also has anti-inflammatory activity. The antiinflammatory role of IL-6 is mediated through the inhibitory effects of TNF-α and IL-1 [9].…”

Serum interleukin-6 as a serologic marker of chronic periapical lesions: a case-control study

“…22 It was shown that IL-6 plays a central and complex role in regulation of the immune response. 2 An animal study has demonstrated that IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory mediator because it is produced locally and immediately, following stimulation by IL-1 and TNF-α in the inflammatory cascade. 6 Finally, IL-6 increases the number of osteoclasts derived from colony-forming granulocyte macrophages 6 and has been demonstrated to have the capacity of bone resorption.…”

“…2 The host defensive reactions against root canal pathogens may elicit cellular and humoral immune responses as well as inflammatory processes. 3 Cytokines are low-weight messenger molecules between the host cells secreted by different immune cells and believed to have an important role in treatment and pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases such as periradicular lesions.…”