Expression of K-19 Cytokeratin in Gingival Epithelial Cells in Periodontal Health and Disease - An Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Background and aim: CK19, a secondary keratin of simple epithelial cells, is the smallest cytokeratin. Its expression was observed in basal and suprabasal stratified squamous epithelial cells of oral mucosa, especially in case of inflammatory conditions and epithelial dysplasia. The aim of this analytical cross-sectional study was to investigate the expression of CK 19 in the gingival epithelial cells of healthy and periodontitis subjects and to correlate the findings with the clinical parameters. Materials and methods: The tissue samples were collected from a total of 30 patients from the healthy and periodontitis groups, during orthodontic/ 3rd molar extractions and during periodontal surgeries respectively. The tissues were then processed for immunohistochemistry analysis and the results were obtained. Results: The data obtained were statistically analysed (CHI square and ANOVA tests) and the results suggested that, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of CK-19 between healthy and periodontitis groups. Conclusion: The results of this study further affirm the varied responses to destruction (breakdown and repair) from individual to individual during the host-microbial interactions. The mixed outcome could also be due to the suppression of overt inflammation following phase I therapy. Keywords: basal layers, cytokeratin, immunohistochemistry, inflammation, oral epithelium.