Over-expression of forkhead box P3 and its association with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand, interleukin (IL) -17, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β during the progression of chronic periodontitis

Aim: T regulatory (Treg) cells have been detected in periodontitis lesions, and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression has been negatively correlated to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL). The aim of this study was to correlate T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and Treg transcription factor expressions, in gingival tissues from patients undergoing active periodontal tissue destruction, with bone loss-associated cytokines. Materials and Methods: In 10 chronic periodontitis patients undergoing disease progression, the mRNA expressions of T-bet, GATA-3, Foxp3, RORC2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-17, RANKL, interferon (IFN)-γ