Cytokine expression in peri-implant crevicular fluid in relation to bacterial presence

Stefan Renvert1,2,3, Cecilia Widén1, Gösta Rutger Persson1,4,5

  • 1Oral Health Sciences, University of Kristianstad, Kristianstad, Sweden.

Insights

Clinical inflammatory parameters, cytokine levels, and bacterial counts were assessed in peri-implant crevicular fluid from patients with untreated peri-implantitis. Higher levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were associated with bleeding and suppuration.

Area of Science:

  • Oral medicine
  • Periodontology
  • Biomaterials science

Background:

  • Peri-implantitis is a prevalent complication of dental implants.
  • Inflammatory processes and specific bacterial species are implicated in peri-implantitis pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate clinical inflammatory markers, cytokine profiles, and bacterial loads in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of untreated peri-implantitis cases.
  • To correlate these findings with clinical signs of inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of PICF from 41 implants in patients with untreated peri-implantitis.
  • Cytokine quantification using Luminex magnet bead technology.
  • Bacterial enumeration via checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization.

Main Results:

  • Profuse bleeding and suppuration were observed in 61% of implants.
  • Elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, and VEGF were significantly associated with profuse bleeding.
  • Increased IL-1β concentrations correlated with suppuration and the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Conclusions:

  • Untreated peri-implantitis with bleeding or suppuration shows higher concentrations of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, and VEGF in PICF.
  • The presence of E. coli or S. epidermidis is linked to higher IL-1β levels in PICF.
Abstract