Elevated Interleukin-17A expression in amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth.

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Amlodipine, a common antihypertensive, is associated with gingival overgrowth.
• The precise mechanism of amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth remains unclear.
• Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is implicated in fibrotic disorders and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of IL-17A in amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth.
• To compare IL-17A expression in patients with amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth, inflammatory gingival overgrowth, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study involving 29 participants across three groups: amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth, inflammatory gingival overgrowth, and healthy controls.
• Clinical periodontal parameters (PI, GI, GOI) were assessed.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to quantify IL-17A expression in gingival tissues; ELISA measured IL-17A in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Main Results:

• Gingival overgrowth groups exhibited significantly higher clinical parameters than controls.
• Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly elevated IL-17A expression in amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth tissues (81.90%) compared to controls (42.35%).
• IL-17A levels in serum and GCF did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

• Elevated IL-17A expression in gingival tissues, independent of inflammation, suggests a role for IL-17A in amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth.
• Increased IL-17A may contribute to fibrotic changes and EMT in affected gingival tissues.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific association between IL-17A, fibrosis, and EMT in gingival overgrowth.