Serum Cytokine Levels in Term and Preterm Deliveries Relating to the Periodontal Health of Mothers: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The aim of the study was to evaluate serumlevels of interleukin-1, beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α) at birth and compare the values in case of preterm birth and normal birth groups of mothers considering the mothers’ periodontal status. Materials and methods Blood samples from 81 women (preterm birth, 41 women, and term birth, 40 women) were collected within half an hour of after delivery. Serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were measured. Periodontal status was characterized by bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD). Results The frequency of BOP differed significantly between preterm and term groups; however, mean PD did not show a significant difference. Serum IL-1β levels were significantly higher in the preterm birth group. The levels TNF-α were slightly bigger in the term birth group, the difference was significant. The rank correlation showed a significant negative relationship between serum IL-1β and TNF-α level and birth weight and the length of pregnancy, and also between BOP frequency and the length of pregnancy. Conclusion Within the limitations of the study, it was found that IL-1β and TNF-α levels were higher when the delivery occurred preterm and the birth weight was smaller; however, a significant increase of cytokines in the serum in connection with maternal periodontal disease was not detected. Periodontics of mothers was not associated with preterm birth in the sample. How to cite this article Radnai M, Novák T, Orvos H, Kovács M, Bóka B, Kele B, Gorzó I. Serum Cytokine Levels in Term and Preterm Deliveries Relating to the Periodontal Health of Mothers: A Pilot Study. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2015;4(2):109-115.