In situ detection of cytokines in periodontitis, obesity and hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the in situ production of IL-1 beta and IL-12 in patients with chronic periodontal disease, hypertension and obesity.

METHODS: Tissue samples from the periodontal region of female patients (45 - 60 years), who suffered chronic periodontal disease, hypertension and obesity (PD-H-O), were analyzed by means of immunocytochemistry for IL-12 and IL-1 beta-producing cells.

RESULTS: PD-H-O patients had less IL-1 beta immunoreactive cells as compared to healthy subjects (p>0.05). This reduced IL-1 beta expression was due to less IL-1 beta immunoreactive macrophages in PD-H-O patients (p>0.001), while no significant difference in the number of IL-1 beta immunoreactive lymphocytes between PD-H-O patients and healthy controls was observed (p<0.01). IL-12 expression was not affected, as there were no significant differences in IL-12 producing lymphocytes or macrophages between patients and controls (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: PD-H-O patients have less IL-1 beta immunoreactive macrophages while the IL-12 expression is unaffected in macrophages and lymphocytes.