Cytokine profile in the gingival crevicular fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients with chronic periodontitis

The aim was to assess the cytokine profile in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Databases were searched from 1991 to August 2013 using a combination of various keywords. Eight studies were included. The GCF concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-4, IL-10, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-13 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were reported to be higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls (HC) without CP. In one study, TNF-alpha levels in GCF were significantly higher in HC than in RA patients receiving anti-TNF-alpha therapy. One study reported no significant difference in GCF TNF-alpha levels among RA patients and HC regardless of anti-TNF-alpha therapy. One study reported no difference in IL-1 beta and prostaglandin E-2 levels among RA patients and HC with CP. Raised levels of proinflammatory cytokines are exhibited in the GCF of RA patients with CP.