Effect of Age on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Concentrations of MIF and PGE2

We used an experimental gingivitis study design to compare crevicular fluid concentrations of Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in younger (18 to 30 yrs) and older (46 to 77 yrs) healthy adults. PGE2 increased after 1 wk in younger participants, whereas it decreased in older individuals after 1 wk of plaque accumulation. A significant interaction between age and time was observed for PGE2 (p = 0.04). High concentrations of MIF were identified in both age groups at baseline. MIF increased in the younger participants, whereas in the older individuals a decrease over time was observed. MIF concentration was positively correlated with plaque index and gingival index in the older age group. Total counts of bacteria, Parvimonas micra and Prevotella intermedia, were significantly correlated with MIF concentration in older participants. In conclusion, MIF and PGE2 production in response to bacterial accumulation seems to be modified by age.