Role of nuclear factor kappa-B in phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth

Objective This study investigates the expression of transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and its relation to various cellular mediators that act in the pathogenesis of phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth. Materials and methods Eighteen epileptic patients had phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth (PHT‐GO), 20 patients with plaque‐induced gingivitis (Gingivitis), and 20 periodontally and systemically healthy individuals (Control) were included in this study. The expression of activated NF‐κB subunits (p50 and p65), IL‐1β, TNF‐α and TGFβ‐1 levels were examined in the gingival sections obtained from each participant. Results The results demonstrated a significantly higher expression of p65 in fibroblasts in PHT‐GO group with respect to Gingivitis (P