Gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-beta1 in cyclosporine and tacrolimus treated renal transplant patients without gingival overgrowth.
BACKGROUND
Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) have been previously investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of cyclosporine-A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) but no clinical data are available regarding the GCF levels of TGF-beta(1) in patients treated with tacrolimus (Tac). However, as gingival inflammation is pronounced at sites of GO and this consequently may lead to an elevation in TGF-beta(1) levels the present study aimed to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) TGF-beta(1) levels in renal transplant patients using CsA or Tac without GO.


METHODS
GCF TGF-beta(1) levels were investigated in 30 renal transplant patients without GO medicated with either CsA (n=15) or Tac (n=15). Sixteen gingivitis patients and 15 periodontally healthy subjects were selected as controls. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, plaque index and papilla bleeding index. The TGF-beta(1) levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
Both CsA and Tac groups had significantly elevated GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount compared to gingivitis and healthy groups (p<0.008). GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount of CsA and Tac groups was similar (p>0.008). Gingivitis and healthy groups had also similar GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount (p>0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limits of the present data it is unlikely that TGF-beta(1) is an exclusive mediator of CsA- or Tac-induced GO. However, pathogenesis of GO is multifactorial and contribution of TGF-beta(1) to the interrelations between cytokines and growth factors with fibrogenic potential cannot be disregarded.
Gürkan
Ali
A
Ege University, School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, Bornova 35100, IZMIR, Turkey. ali.gurkan@ege.edu.tr
Afacan
Beral
B
Emingil
Gülnur
G
Töz
Hüseyin
H
Başkesen
Aykut
A
Atilla
Gül
G
D000328:Adult; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010512:Periodontal Index; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000378:metabolism*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus