Salivary cytokine profile in elders with Candida-related denture stomatitis

This study investigated risk factors of denture stomatitis, and the levels of cytokines in the saliva of elderly Candida-related denture stomatitis participants compared with adult individuals.

The occurrence of denture stomatitis in 128 patients with upper removable dentures was clinically examined. Participants were divided into two age groups as adult and elder. Risk factors associated with denture stomatitis were evaluated by questionnaire and oral and dental prosthesis examination. The quality of dentures was evaluated by direct examination. Palatal mucosa was swabbed for Candida carriage investigation, and whole unstimulated saliva was collected for cytokine detection. Salivary cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The associations between the occurrence of denture stomatitis and either the quality of dentures or Candida isolation on palatal mucosa were significant. However, differences in the levels of salivary IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, ICAM-1 and TNF-α between the denture wearers with and without denture stomatitis were undetectable. Adult and elderly Candida-related denture stomatitis patients also showed a similar level of salivary IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, ICAM-1 and TNF-α. No correlation between the presence of denture stomatitis in the elder and the quantity of Candida infection was found.

No association was found between the occurrence of Candida-related denture stomatitis and the concentrations of salivary IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, ICAM-1 and TNF-α, regardless of age.