H2S mediates increased interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 production in leukocytes from patients with periodontitis

Background: The mechanisms involved in the interplay between the bacteria and the host cells in periodontitis are not fully understood. Aim: To investigate the effect of the bacterial metabolite H 2 S on the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 from periodontitis patients and healthy controls, and to evaluate the composition of the subgingival microbiota with its capacity to produce H 2 S. Methods: Subgingival bacterial samples from patients with periodontitis (N=32) and healthy controls (N=32) were investigated for H 2 S production and bacterial composition. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured in the presence/absence of 1mM H 2 S for 24h and cytokine concentrations were measured. Results: Subgingival plaque from periodontitis patients had more H 2 S producing bacteria and produced more H 2 S, than healthy controls. PBMCs exposed to H 2 S secreted significantly more IL-1ß and IL-18 (p