Endotoxic, Microbial and Inflammatory Content in Root Canal and Periodontal Pocket in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis

Objectives: This study investigated the correlation between the presence of microorganisms, levels of endotoxins and the expression of the cytokines in root canals (RC) and periodontal pockets (PP) of patients with chronic periodontitis
Methods: The polymerase chain reaction (16S rDNA) was used to detect the target Gram negative bacteria. The LAL assay was used to quantify LPS levels. The amounts of TNF-α were measured by ELISA assay. Data were correlated by multiple linear regression (P<0.05)
Results: Bacteria, endotoxin and cytokines were detected in 100% of the PP samples. Endotoxin and cytokines were detected in 100% of RC samples, but in lower concentration than the ones found in the PP, while microorganisms were not found in all RC samples. A positive correlation (P<0.05) was found between endotoxin levels from PP and the expression of TNF-α in the root canals.
Conclusions: It was concluded that endotoxin content seems to be a potent stimulus factor for the expression of cytokines. Microorganisms, endotoxins and cytokines in the root canals of teeth with chronic periodontitis are in lower concentration than the ones found in the periodontal pockets