ABSTRACT
Background: Cytokines play an important role in the pathology associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. Because of pro-inflammatory and neutrophil chemotactic properties, the cytokines like interleukins (IL) may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The biological effects of IL-8 are relevant in this regard. Aim: This study was done to compare the level of this molecule in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with adult periodontitis (experimental group) and from individuals with clinically healthy gingival (control group). Materials and Methods: GCF was collected from patients with adult periodontitis and clinically healthy gingival for 30 s using a Periopaper strip and the volume of the sample determined. Following elution of the fluid, assays for IL-8 were carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The concentration of IL-8 was calculated in the original volume of GCF on each strip. Results: The level of IL-8 in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group ( P < 0.01). The clinical parameters were positively correlated to IL-8, suggesting that the GCF IL-8 exhibited dynamic changes upon severity of periodontal disease ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that level of IL-8 is associated with periodontal status. The level of IL-8 in GCF is valuable in detecting the inflammation of periodontal tissue.