Inflammatory Biomarker Profiles in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Electronic Cigarette Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The recent rise in worldwide e-cigarette use has sparked concerns about its effects on oral health, especially regarding the increased risk of periodontal disease. Measuring pro-inflammatory cytokines in crevicular fluid can help detect early subclinical inflammation before symptoms appear. Aim: To quantify the levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1) in the gingival crevicular fluid of vaping and non-vaping patients. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with vaper and non-vaper patients. Participants were selected through convenience sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study collected demographic and clinical data and measured cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in crevicular fluid using flow cytometry. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS^®, including descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality tests, and correlation analyses (Spearman rank). The Ethics Committee approved the study (Act No. 6-2025). Results: Sixteen vapers and sixteen non-vapers participated, paired by age. Vapers showed higher levels of all markers, especially TNF-α (1451.55 pg/mL, SD = 428.5, p = 0.036) and IL-6 (55.01 pg/mL, SD = 46.48, p = 0.050), compared to non-vapers. No significant differences were found in IL-1β and MCP-1. Conclusions: Vaping is associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, notably TNF-α and IL-6, and clinical signs of periodontal inflammation, specifically a higher plaque index (p = 0.027); bleeding on probing showed only a non-significant upward trend (p = 0.19). These findings suggest vaping may enhance periodontal-inflammatory responses and should be considered in the assessment of periodontitis progression.