Th1 and Th2 cytokines in GCF of Down syndrome patients

Methods: The study included 20 DS patients and 25 control patients that were matched with respect to age and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). The mean age was 16.7 in DS and control patients. The clinical examination, consisting of BOP and pocket depth (PD), was complemented with a radiographical examination. GCF samples were collected from 6 sites using periopaper and the volume was determined by Peritron 8000. The level of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 was determined by Bio-Plex cytokine multiplex assays.

Results: BOP (%) did not differ between DS and control patients and all patients exhibited PD<4 mm. The mean PD and GCF volume (μl), however, were significantly higher (p<0.05) in DS patients. In addition, the mean GCF levels of the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 were significantly higher (p<0.05) in DS patients compared to control patients.

The correlation coefficients for GCF to IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-10 significantly differed (p<0.05) between DS and control patients. Patients with DS, in contrast to control patients, exhibited a negative correlation between GCF and the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 as well as between BOP and IL-4 and IL-12.

Conclusion: The levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines are enhanced in DS patients compared to control patients. The negative correlation between the clinical parameters and the cytokines in DS patients suggests an altered Th1 and Th2 immune response that may contribute to increased gingival inflammation in DS patients.