Interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α levels in periapical exudates

Aim The aim of this study was to determine IL-1beta and TNT-alpha levels in periapical exudates and to evaluate their relationship with clinical and radiological findings. Methodology Periapical exudates were collected from root canals of 3 5 single-rooted teeth using absorbent paper points. IL-1beta and TNT-alpha levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The samples were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of clinical signs including swelling and/or fistula, pain on palpation and/or percussion. and pus discharge from canals. Periapical exudate samples were divided into two groups according to size of periapical radiolucent area. Results The mean concentration of IL-1beta (72.79 ng mL(-2)) in periapical exudates was approximately 12-fold higher than TNT-alpha (6.17 ng mL(-1)), There was no significant correlation between these cytokines (P>0.05). IL-1beta levels in canals with larger radiolucent areas (long axis greater than or equal to1 cm) were significantly higher than those with small areas (P<0.05). There was a tendency toward higher levels of IL-1β in groups with clinical signs, but the differences were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusions Periapical exudate levels of both cytokines failed to reflect periapical disease state.