Salivary cytokine expression after non-surgical periodontal therapy in smokers: 12-month follow-up

BackgroundDiverse smoking trajectories may influence cytokine expression after non-surgical periodontal therapy and supportive periodontal care. Thus, we aimed to describe cytokine profiles in periodontal healing after periodontal therapy in smokers. MethodsA smoking cessation program and non-surgical periodontal therapy were offered to 80 smokers with periodontitis. Smoking trajectories (quitters/light, moderate, heavy) were observed. The association of salivary interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) with smoking trajectories and periodontal outcomes was determined using mixed-effects linear regression. ResultsAmong quitters/light smokers, IL-1 beta was associated with an increase in mean periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and mean clinical attachment level (CAL). IL-6 was associated with a decrease in mean PPD and CAL in heavy smokers, whereas IL-8 was associated with a decrease in PPD among moderate smokers. TNF alpha was associated with a reduction in mean PPD and CAL among quitters/light smokers, while among moderate smokers, TNF alpha was associated with an increase in mean PPD and CAL. IL-12 and IL-13 were associated with a decrease in mean PPD in moderate smokers. ConclusionOur findings suggest that distinctive smoking exposures induce differential cytokine expression, which, in turn, seems to influence periodontal repair.