Decreased Interleukin‐1β and Elastase in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Individuals Undergoing Anti‐Inflammatory Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to compare the inflammatory activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a group of matched controls. Secondarily, we aimed to evaluate the effect of rheumatologic treatment on periodontal inflammation. METHODS: Seventeen individuals with RA with a mean duration of disease of 12.1 (± 9.9) years and the same number of systemically healthy individuals matched for age, gender, periodontal status, and tobacco use were selected. Medication data were registered, and GCF was collected by means of an intracrevicular washing method. Besides clinical registrations, periodontal inflammation was assessed by analysis of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and -18 and of elastase activity. RESULTS: = 0.883). This correlation was not observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory treatment taken by RA patients might influence the periodontal inflammation status represented by IL-1β and elastase in the GCF.