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-alpha) 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.

Figure 1

Graphic representation of median TNF-alpha concentrations in symptomatic, asymptomatic, and control groups. Data represent the median log 10 cytokine contents (IQR) per milliliter. Significance: symptomatic group compared to control: median 4.47 (IQR: 4.44–4.61) pg/mL versus 3.96 (IQR: 3.86–4.10) pg/mL; P < .001. Group with asymptomatic lesions compared to control: median 4.46 (IQR: 4.28–4.60) pg/mL versus 3.96 (IQR: 3.86–4.10) pg/mL; P < .001.

Figure 2

Graphic representation of median IL-6 concentrations in periapical lesions according to clinical diagnosis. Data represent the median log 10 cytokine contents (IQR) per mililliter. Significance: symptomatic and asymptomatic groups: median 4.60 pg/mL versus 4.48 pg/mL; P = .002. Symptomatic group and control group: median 4.60 pg/mL versus 3.91 pg/mL; P < .001. Asymptomatic group compared to control: median 4.48 pg/mL versus 3.91 pg/mL; P < .001.