Increased salivary levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in patients with Crohn's disease

Abstract

Background and objective Salivary cytokines can provide information about oral health and systemic diseases. We aimed to assess the salivary concentration of inflammatory cytokines in outpatients with Crohn's disease (CD) and whether the levels are modified by the presence of periodontal diseases. Material and methods This cross-sectional study selected 72 individuals, 35 CD patients and 37 controls. Comprehensive medical and periodontal examinations were performed. Unstimulated saliva was collected and concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-23, IL-27, interferon (IFN)-y, and tumoral necrosis factor (TNF)-α were analyzed by a bead-based multiplex assay. Results Salivary concentrations of TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-12p70 were significantly higher in CD patients compared to controls ( p < 0.05). Patients taking anti-TNF agents ( n = 16) and those taking conventional medication for IBD ( n = 14) had significantly higher levels of IL-12p70 and IL-23 than patients taking no medications (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that CD was positively associated with the salivary concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10, while the percentage of pathological periodontal pockets associated positively with IL-1β and IL-10. Conclusion CD patients showed higher salivary concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10, regardless of the periodontal condition.