Gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-beta1 in several forms of periodontal disease

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) has significant effects on periodontal host response regulation. Limited knowledge on the role of TGF-beta(1) in various periodontal disease types and particularly in advanced periodontitis forms warranted the present study. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) TGF-beta(1) levels in patients with different forms of periodontal disease. METHODS: GCF TGF-beta(1) levels were investigated in 32 chronic periodontitis (CP), 30 generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP), 15 gingivitis patients and 16 periodontally healthy subjects. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque and bleeding on probing. TGF-beta(1) levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were expressed in terms of total amount (pg) and concentration (pg/microl). RESULTS: G-AgP and CP groups had significantly elevated GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount compared to healthy group (p<0.008). Moreover, GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount of G-AgP group was significantly higher than that of gingivitis group (p<0.008). G-AgP and CP groups had similar GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount (p>0.008). Significant correlation was found between GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount and all clinical periodontal parameters (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest contribution of TGF-beta(1) to the pathogenesis of advanced chronic and aggressive periodontitis. TGF-beta(1) may thus be one of the components modulating exaggerated host response together with other major mediators of inflammation.