Gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-ß1 in cyclosporine and tacrolimus treated renal transplant patients without gingival overgrowth

PubMed ID: 18342291Background: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) have been previously investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of cyclosporine-A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) but no clinical data are available regarding the GCF levels of TGF-ß1 in patients treated with tacrolimus (Tac). However, as gingival inflammation is pronounced at sites of GO and this consequently may lead to an elevation in TGF-ß1 levels the present study aimed to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) TGF-ß1 levels in renal transplant patients using CsA or Tac without GO. Methods: GCF TGF-ß1 levels were investigated in 30 renal transplant patients without GO medicated with either CsA (n = 15) or Tac (n = 15). Sixteen gingivitis patients and 15 periodontally healthy subjects were selected as controls. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, plaque index and papilla bleeding index. The TGF-ß1 levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Both CsA and Tac groups had significantly elevated GCF TGF-ß1 total amount compared to gingivitis and healthy groups (p < 0.008). GCF TGF-ß1 total amount of CsA and Tac groups was similar (p > 0.008). Gingivitis and healthy groups had also similar GCF TGF-ß1 total amount (p > 0.008). Conclusions: Within the limits of the present data it is unlikely that TGF-ß1 is an exclusive mediator of CsA- or Tac-induced GO. However, pathogenesis of GO is multifactorial and contribution of TGF-ß1 to the interrelations between cytokines and growth factors with fibrogenic potential cannot be disregarded. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved