Gingival fluid cytokine expression and subgingival bacterial counts during pregnancy and postpartum: a case series

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess gingival fluid (GCF) cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, subgingival bacteria, and clinical periodontal conditions during a normal pregnancy to postpartum.

Materials and methods

Subgingival bacterial samples were analyzed with the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method. GCF samples were assessed with real-time PCR including five proinflammatory cytokines and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor.

Results

Nineteen pregnant women with a mean age of 32 years (S.D. ± 4 years, range 26–42) participated in the study. Full-mouth bleeding scores (BOP) decreased from an average of 41.2% (S.D. ± 18.6%) at the 12th week of pregnancy to 26.6% (S.D. ± 14.4%) at the 4–6 weeks postpartum (p?p?=?0.34). Higher counts of Eubacterium saburreum, Parvimonas micra, Selenomonas noxia, and Staphylococcus aureus were found at week 12 of pregnancy than at the 4–6 weeks postpartum examinations (p?Porphyromonas endodontalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were associated with decreasing levels of Il-8 and Il-1β.

Conclusions

BOP decreased after pregnancy without any active periodontal therapy. Associations between bacterial counts and cytokine levels varied greatly in pregnant women with gingivitis and a normal pregnancy outcome. Postpartum associations between GCF cytokines and bacterial counts were more consistent.

Clinical relevance

Combined assessments of gingival fluid cytokines and subgingival bacteria may provide important information on host response.