The changes in the T-lymphocyte subsets in a population of Turkish children with puberty gingivitis

The aim of the study was to investigate the number of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, analyse subjects with gingivitis and those without, and determine the role of T lymphocytes in the pathobiology of puberty gingivitis.

Fifty individuals with and without puberty gingivitis were recruited for this study. The CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocyte counts were determined using flow cytometry on the biopsy samples, and the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was calculated. At the same time, periodontal index scores were recorded to assess the periodontal status. Acquired data were analysed statistically using a paired t-test to compare laboratory values obtained before and after the treatment in individuals with puberty gingivitis and disease-free individuals. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relation between laboratory values and clinical measurements.

The CD4(+)/CD8 ratio in gingival tissues obtained from test group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that found in the gingival tissue obtained from control group. We found that the CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocyte counts continued to increase significantly (P < 0.001) and the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio continued to drop significantly (P < 0.05) after treatment in test group.

T lymphocytes could play a significant role in the pathobiology of puberty gingivitis.