Abstract
Cross-talk between cells and cytokines in peri-implant tissue is largely unknown. The immune response in the gingival mucosa appears to favor implant integration over rejection, since titanium-implant-retained overdentures show long-term success. This study evaluates pro-inflammatory (interleukin [IL]-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, IL-12) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor [TGF]-β1) cytokine mRNA expression and tissue morphometry in peri-implant soft tissue from patients before and during treatment with Brånemark titanium implants. Immediately after treatment with endosseous implant and overdenture, TGF-β1 mRNA increased in peri-implant mucosa specimens; transcript accumulation for IL-10 was elevated at 4 months and decreased dramatically thereafter. Transcripts for IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-4 were absent. Healthy osseointegrated implants showed no histological inflammation in most patients. These findings suggest that newly classified TGF-β and/or IL-10 secreting T regulatory (r)/T helper (h)-3 cells may populate implant insertion sites.
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