Inflammatory cytokines correlated with clinical outcome of temporomandibular joint irrigation in patients with chronic closed lock

ObjectiveThis study investigated the correlation of clinical outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) irrigation with the occurrence and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-10 in the washed-out synovial fluid (SF) in patients with chronic closed lock (CCL) of the TMJ.Study designThirty-six patients underwent a visually guided TMJ irrigation (VGIR). SF samples were collected immediately before VGIR. The patients were divided into either successful (s-group; n = 25) or unsuccessful groups (u-group; n = 11). The detection rates and concentrations of each cytokine per milligram of total protein in the SF were measured, and then compared between the s- and u-groups.ResultsAll of the investigated cytokines were detectable with various rates, concentrations, and combination patterns. The detection rate and concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher in the u-group, and those of IL-10 were significantly higher in the s-group.ConclusionsThe investigated cytokines were suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of TMJ CCL. The results also suggest that IL-6 in the SF is an indicator of an unsuccessful outcome, and that IL-10 is a significant predictor of a successful outcome of TMJ irrigation for CCL.