Interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and TGF-beta in follicular tissue of impacted third molars.

The clinical evaluation and management of impacted third molars remain challenging. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible associations between follicular tissue cytokines and radiographic manifestations of impacted third molar. The population included 72 patients who underwent surgical extraction of impacted third molars. All these patients underwent a preliminary panoramic radiograph. Levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in tissue extracts were determined using ELISA. There were no significant differences between bony and tissue impaction as regards IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β levels. Moreover, the same results were obtained as far as the amount of pericoronal space and the presence or absence of a history of pericoronitis are concerned. These results suggest that radiographic findings or a history of pericoronitis are not associated with levels of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted third molars. However, further studies are needed to address the possibility of variability during disease progression.