Estimation of interleukin-17 levels in gingival crevicular fluid from healthy individuals and patients with chronic periodontitis

Background: The objective of the present study was to estimate the levels of interleukin (IL)-17, the proinflammatory cytokine produced by the activated T helper 17 cells in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and determine its role in progression of periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: Clinical parameters including gingival index, Russell's periodontal index and probing pocket depth were recorded for 30 subjects divided into two groups. Group 1 (healthy) comprising 10 subjects with clinically healthy periodontium and with no evidence of disease, group 2 (with periodontitis) comprising 20 subjects whose periodontium had clinical signs of inflammation, probing pocket depth ≥5 mm and with radiographic evidence of bone loss. IL-17 levels were estimated in GCF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean concentration of IL-17 was significantly higher in group 2 when compared with group 1. Gingival index and Russell's scores were significantly higher in group 2 when compared with group 1. Conclusion: IL-17 was present in GCF samples from individuals in both healthy and chronic periodontitis groups and its concentration correlates positively with the extent of periodontal destruction, Russell's periodontal index scores and thus levels of IL17 in GCF may act as novel biomarker for estimating periodontal disease progression.