IL-17 and IL-11 GCF Levels in Aggressive and Chronic Periodontitis Patients: Relation to PCR Bacterial Detection

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated IL-17 and IL-11 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients in relation to periodontopathic bacteria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS GCF samples were collected from 65 subjects including 25 CP, 25 GAgP, and 15 controls (C) and analyzed for IL-17 and IL-11 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular detection of bacteria in the dental plaque was determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The total amount of IL-17 was significantly higher in GAgP group than in GCP and C groups (P < 0.001). The IL-11 concentration was significantly higher in C and GCP groups than GAgP group (P < 0.001). The IL-11/IL-17 ratio was significantly higher in the C group than in GCP and GAgP groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, GAgP group showed lower ratios of IL-11/IL-17 when compared to GCP group. The high positivity of P. gingivalis in the dental plaque was associated with significantly increased GCF levels of IL-17 in GCP and GAgP patients. CONCLUSIONS The increased IL-17 level in GCF of GAgP suggests a potential role in the aetiopathogenesis. Meanwhile, the decreased ratio of IL-11/IL-17 might reflect an imbalance between the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in different periodontal diseases.