“Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Interleukin-35 in Periodontal Health, Chronic Periodontitis & the Effect of Scaling & Root Planning on Interleukin-35 Levels in Chronic Periodontitis – A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study”

Background & Objectives: Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a newly identified anti-inflammatory cytokine generated by T regulatory cells. They are most effective at high inflammation sites and are a potent activator of T regulatory cells. Hence this study aimed to assess gingival crevicular fluid levels of IL-35 in healthy subjects and chronic periodontitis patients and to compare the levels of IL-35, before and after scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis patients. Methods: Forty subjects were selected and categorised into 3 groups. Group 1: Periodontally healthy individuals, Group 2A: Chronic periodontitis patients and Group 2B: Group 2A patients who were evaluated 6 weeks after scaling and root planing. Gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were recorded. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected and stored at -800 C till they were subjected to analysis by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: On intergroup comparison, the difference in mean IL-35 levels and clinical parameters were highly statistically significant between Group 1 and Group 2A while between Group 1 and Group 2B were not significant. On comparing Group 2A and Group 2B, the mean differences were highly statistically significant P (<0.001). Significant reductions in all parameters were noted in Group 2B. Conclusion: Significant reduction of IL-35 levels in chronic periodontitis patients, 6-8 weeks after scaling and root planing and their presence in periodontally healthy subjects suggest the role of IL-35 in controlling the inflammation and their protective role in maintaining periodontal health. Key message: IL-35 has an effective role in controlling the inflammation and in maintaining periodontal health. IL-35 can be considered as a promising prognostic biomarker in periodontal diseases.