Evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid interleukin-35 as a marker for identification of periodontal disease activity

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to evaluate and compare the levels of IL-35 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in periodontally healthy subjects, patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis and to assess IL-35 as a marker for identification of periodontal disease activity. METHODS: GCF samples were obtained from periodontally healthy subjects (N.=15), gingivitis patients (N.=15) and patients with chronic periodontitis (N.=15). Clinical measurements like probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, Papillary Bleeding Index, and Modified Plaque Index were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the determination of GCF IL-35 levels in samples. RESULTS: The IL-35 levels were significantly higher in the healthy subjects as compared to gingivitis and chronic periodontitis group. There was variation in GCF IL-35 levels in healthy sites in each group and gingivitis sites in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of IL-35 were observed to decrease with increase in the inflammatory status, so it might play a role in suppressing gingival inflammation and maintaining periodontal health.