Gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-β1 in cyclosporine and tacrolimus treated renal transplant patients without gingival overgrowth

BackgroundGingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) have been previously investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of cyclosporine-A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) but no clinical data are available regarding the GCF levels of TGF-β1 in patients treated with tacrolimus (Tac). However, as gingival inflammation is pronounced at sites of GO and this consequently may lead to an elevation in TGF-β1 levels the present study aimed to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) TGF-β1 levels in renal transplant patients using CsA or Tac without GO.MethodsGCF TGF-β1 levels were investigated in 30 renal transplant patients without GO medicated with either CsA (n = 15) or Tac (n = 15). Sixteen gingivitis patients and 15 periodontally healthy subjects were selected as controls. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, plaque index and papilla bleeding index. The TGF-β1 levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBoth CsA and Tac groups had significantly elevated GCF TGF-β1 total amount compared to gingivitis and healthy groups (p < 0.008). GCF TGF-β1 total amount of CsA and Tac groups was similar (p > 0.008). Gingivitis and healthy groups had also similar GCF TGF-β1 total amount (p > 0.008).ConclusionsWithin the limits of the present data it is unlikely that TGF-β1 is an exclusive mediator of CsA- or Tac-induced GO. However, pathogenesis of GO is multifactorial and contribution of TGF-β1 to the interrelations between cytokines and growth factors with fibrogenic potential cannot be disregarded.