Associations between interleukin-10, -12, and − 18 and periodontal health and disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective We assessed the levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-12 (IL-12), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects with advanced periodontitis (SIII-SIV) compared to healthy controls and evaluated their correlations with clinical measurements. Methods This cross-sectional study involved subjects ( n = 60) diagnosed with stage III grade B-C ( n = 13) to stage IV grade C ( n = 17) periodontitis, and periodontally healthy controls ( n = 30). Clinical periodontal measurements involved full-mouth. The concentrations of IL-10, IL-12, and IL-18 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results There were no significant differences in IL-12 level and IL-18/IL-10 ratio between the healthy and periodontitis groups ( p = 0.413, p = 0.636, respectively). The IL-10 and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis group than in controls ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Significant associations were observed between the periodontitis and IL-10 and IL-18 levels (OR = 1.46, %95 CI 1.19–1.795; OR = 1.13, %95 CI 1.059–1.207, respectively) ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions There was a correlation between pocket depth and the presence of IL-18 and a strong association between periodontitis and a high level of IL-18. However, there were no direct correlations among the three biomarkers and IL-18/IL-10 ratio, indicating that their roles in periodontal health are complex and multidimensional. Clinical relevance Understanding the cytokine dynamics in GCF provides valuable insights into their potential clinical implications for periodontal disease diagnosis, risk assessment, and tailored therapeutic interventions.