The IL-17 level in gingival crevicular fluid as an indicator of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption

Interleukin (IL)-17 expression in the periodontal ligament is associated with orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). Seeking a convenient, rapid, and non-invasive IL-17 detection approach could help predict OIIRR. In this study, we assessed the potential of the IL-17 level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to be an indicator of OIIRR.

To enable tooth movement, 8‑ to 10-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to 20 g/60 g orthodontic force for up to 14 days. GCF and peripheral blood were collected for the IL-17 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological changes and the expression of IL-17, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periodontal tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. Osteoclasts were visualized by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TARP) staining.

GCF IL-17 level rapidly rose in the early phase of orthodontic loading, accompanied by bone and tooth root destruction. At the later stage, the GCF IL-17 level gradually decreased, while the inflammatory destruction was reduced and the periodontal tissue began to repair. GCF IL-17 expression generally tended to be coincident with the periodontal tissue reaction: GCF IL-17 was robustly correlated to the RANKL/OPG ratio (r_s = 0.72, p = 0.002) or osteoclast number (r_s = 0.84, p < 0.001). Additionally, the GCF IL-17 level was correlated to serum IL-17 (r_s = 0.61, p = 0.016) or periodontal IL-17 (r_s = 0.84, p < 0.001).

The IL-17 level in GCF during orthodontic treatment is associated with OIIRR and, thus, could be an early indicator for developing OIIRR. The advantages of being a convenient, rapid, and non-invasive GCF IL-17 measurement make it a promising method for early detection of OIIRR.