The profile of inflammatory cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid around healthy osseointegrated implants

Regardless of gingival health and subgingival microbiology, production of cytokines within peri-implant tissues may be different from that of teeth. The objective of this study was to describe the peri-implant levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and subgingival microbiology in clinically healthy sites.

Subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were obtained from 28 clinically healthy implants and 26 teeth selected from 24 individuals. Microbial composition was determined by selective anaerobic culture techniques. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were quantified by flow cytometry analysis of GCF. The concentration of cytokines between implants and teeth were compared with the independent t-test.

The concentration of cytokines was higher in GCF from healthy implants than in teeth. The profile of cytokines was characteristic of an innate immune response. A more frequent detection of periodontopathic bacteria was observed in teeth than implants. Cultivable levels of periodontopathic bacteria were similar between implants and teeth.

Despite gingival tissue health and scarce plaque accumulation, the profile of inflammatory cytokines in implant crevicular fluid was distinctive of an innate immune response and in higher concentration than in teeth. Other than bacterial stimulus, intrinsic factors related to implants may account for more cytokine production than teeth.