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Tumor necrosis factor in synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular disorders
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Beijing Medical University, China.
Purpose:
To assess tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in synovial fluid from patients with temporomandibular disorders.
Patients And Methods:
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in synovial fluid from 27 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) was studied using the MTT tetrazolium WEHI 164 clone 13 cell cytotoxicity assay.
Results:
No detectable TNF levels were found in five patients with a masticatory muscle disorder, but elevated TNF levels were found in 5 of 11 patients with TMJ disc displacement, and in 9 of 11 patients with degenerative joint disease.
Conclusion:
The findings of biologically active TNF in the synovial fluid of these patients suggests that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain temporomandibular disorders.
Insights
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was measured in temporomandibular disorder patients. Elevated TNF levels were found in patients with TMJ disc displacement and degenerative joint disease, suggesting a role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Immunology
Background:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles.
- Inflammatory processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of various TMDs.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in the synovial fluid of individuals diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
- To investigate the potential correlation between TNF levels and specific TMD subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Synovial fluid samples were collected from 27 patients with diagnosed TMDs.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity was assessed using a cell cytotoxicity assay (MTT tetrazolium WEHI 164 clone 13).
Main Results:
- No detectable TNF levels were observed in patients with masticatory muscle disorders.
- Elevated TNF levels were detected in 5 out of 11 patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement.
- Significantly elevated TNF levels were found in 9 out of 11 patients with degenerative joint disease.
Conclusions:
- Biologically active tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is present in the synovial fluid of patients with certain temporomandibular disorders.
- These findings suggest that TNF may contribute to the inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of TMJ disc displacement and degenerative joint disease.