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Plasma TGF‐ β 1 as a risk factor for gingival overgrowth
Author(s) -
Ellis J. S.,
Morgan C. L.,
Kirby J. A.,
Taylor J. J.,
Thomason J. M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of clinical periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.456
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1600-051X
pISSN - 0303-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-051x.2004.00572.x
Subject(s) - ciclosporin , medicine , tacrolimus , transforming growth factor , risk factor , periodontal examination , concomitant , univariate analysis , gastroenterology , calcium channel blocker , endocrinology , periodontitis , multivariate analysis , transplantation , calcium
Background and Aims: Induction of the pro‐fibrotic growth factor TGF‐ β 1 has been suggested as a possible mechanism through which immunosuppressant drugs may induce gingival overgrowth. This study aims to investigate plasma levels of TGF‐ β 1 and relate them to the development and severity of gingival overgrowth in immunosuppressed transplant patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty‐two ciclosporin‐treated and 13 tacrolimus‐treated transplant patients and 24 drug‐free control subjects underwent a full periodontal examination including a determination of the presence and severity of gingival overgrowth. Results: Plasma TGF‐ β 1 concentrations were determined by ELISA, and were found to be significantly elevated in samples from the transplant patients (mean=29.1 ng/ml) as compared with controls (mean=6.1 ng/ml, p <0.0001). There was no significant difference between the levels of plasma TGF‐ β 1 in the ciclosporin‐ and tacrolimus‐treated patient groups. Conclusions: Furthermore, concomitant treatment with calcium channel blockers did not influence the levels of plasma TGF‐ β 1 in the patients group. The relationship between gingival overgrowth, independent periodontal variables and TGF‐ β 1 plasma concentrations was examined using univariate and multivariate regression analyses; low TGF‐ β 1 plasma concentrations were found to be a risk factor for gingival overgrowth in immunosuppressed patients concomitantly receiving a calcium channel blocker.