title: The role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
abstract: The mechanisms underlying periodontal disease involve complex interactions between bacterial products, host cells and locally produced, biologically active factors. The umbrella term cytokine has been used to include a variety of such factors, including the interleukin family. The role of one cytokine, IL-1 beta, in periodontal disease pathogenesis has been widely reported. More recent studies have focused on a potential role for IL-6 in driving the destructive processes. Most of these reports have suggested a pro-inflammatory role for IL-6 alongside IL-1 and TNF-alpha. This manuscript reviews the biological functions of IL-6, specifically related to tissue destruction at the periodontal site. We would suggest that the activity of IL-6 in periodontal disease differs from IL-1 and TNF-alpha, and may, in part, play a protective role.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Myrillas
mesh_terms: D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000502:physiology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D010519:Periodontium / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha