Evaluation of serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines in patients after dental implantation

Abstract

Background: Dental implantation triggers an early inflammatory cascade that is fundamental to healing and osseointegration. Interleukin-1 beta and Interleukin-6 have been identified as a signature marker for mediating the process, which along with others could be important biomarkers to monitor the tissue response following implant insertion. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in patients with dental implantation and their relationships with implant-associated clinical features. Methods: A case–control study have been performed a of 32 patients undergoing dental implantation and 48 healthy controls matched by age and sex. Blood samples were taken 1 week after implantation for measurement of serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were collected on clinical variables, including type of tooth replaced, number of teeth implanted (single Tooth or multiple Teeth) and implant position (mandible or maxilla). Results: Serum IL-1β levels were higher in patients (18.45 ± 4.12 pg/mL) than that of controls (14.20 ± 3.35 pg/mL, P = 0.031). Likewise, IL-6 levels were higher in patients (12.80 ± 3.05 pg/mL) than in controls (9.65 ± 2.74 pg/mL, P = 0.021). In patients with two implants (n = 11), IL-1β (19.80 ± 4.10 pg/mL) and IL-6 (13.90 ± 3.10 pg/mL) levels were higher than in patients with one implant each (n = 21; IL-1β 17.85 ± 3.60 pg/mL; IL-6 12.10 ± 2.80 pg/mL; P < 0·05). No significant differences were noted in the type of tooth replaced (canine, premolar, molar) and implant site (mandible vs maxilla). Conclusion: Dental implantation induces significant elevation in serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 indicating the an active inflammatory response during early phase of healing. The extent of this reaction seems to be related to how many teeth were introduced, and other clinical factors had little effect.