Immunologic and Microbiologic Profiles of Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis Subjects

Background: This study determines the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, interferon (IFN)‐γ and elastase activity in inflamed shallow and deep periodontal sites from patients with generalized chronic (GCP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), and to compare them to shallow sites from subjects with gingivitis. A secondary aim analyzes the microbiologic profile of these subjects. Methods: Cross‐sectional clinical data were obtained from 20 GCP, 17 GAgP, and 10 gingivitis subjects. GCF samples were collected with paper strips and the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, and IFN‐γ were measured using a multiplexed bead immunoassay. Elastase activity was assessed by an enzymatic assay. Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed using checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization. Significance of differences among groups for immunologic and microbiologic data was examined using Kruskal‐Wallis adjusting for multiple comparisons. Results: Mean clinical parameters and GCF volumes were higher in patients with GCP and GAgP compared to the gingivitis group. Higher levels of IL‐1β and higher elastase activity were found in deep sites compared to shallow sites in both periodontitis groups (P