Evaluation of mCD14 expression on monocytes and the blood level of sCD14 in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis.

PURPOSE Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a major component of the cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria, are the main stimulants of the host immune response, initiating inflammatory changes and responsible for periodontal tissue destruction. The mCD14, which is found primarily on monocytes and macrophages, is the key membranous receptor involved in LPS binding. CD14 is also present in the serum as a soluble form (sCD14) released due to shedding from monocytes. The aim of the study was to assess CD14 expression on peripheral blood monocytes in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP). The level of sCD14 was also determined in the serum of GAP patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 16 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis, the control group had 13 systemically and periodontally healthy subjects. The expression of mCD14 was determined by flow cytometry and expressed as mean intensity of fluorescence (MIF). Serum sCD14 level was examined with ELISA method. RESULTS The expressions of mCD14 on monocytes in GAP patients and control subjects were comparable. No statistically significant differences were noted in the mean serum sCD14 level between GAP and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS As periodontitis is a local disorder affecting a small fragment of the oral cavity it seems likely that chronic bacterial infection existing there is not reflected in the peripheral parameters.