Evaluating Specific Salivary Biomarkers including Interleukin-1 (IL-1) as Potential Indicators of Systemic Inflammation in known Diabetic Patients with Periodontitis: An Original Research Study

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluates specific salivary biomarkers, particularly interleukin-1 (IL-1), in diabetic patients presenting with periodontitis as potential indicators of systemic inflammation.

Materials and Methods: This study explored the link between severe periodontal inflammation and diabetes mellitus by enrolling 80 patients with significant periodontal issues. Of these, 60 diabetic individuals expressed interest in treatment. Participants, aged 35 to 60, included both genders and were carefully selected to eliminate confounding factors such as mental instability, smoking, or pregnancy. After obtaining informed consent and conducting comprehensive evaluations, the final cohort comprised 60 patients divided into three groups: Group 1: 20 diabetic patients with periodontitis (DWP), Group 2: 20 healthy individuals with periodontitis (WoP), and Group 3: 20 diabetic patients without periodontitis (DWoP). This allowed for a detailed analysis of diabetes and periodontal disease. Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected and analysed for interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels using an ELISA test, aiming to establish these biomarkers as indicators of systemic inflammation and inform future treatment strategies.

Statistical Analysis and Results: This study analysed a cohort of 60 participants—31 males and 29 females—as shown in Table 1. The participants were divided into three groups based on health conditions: Group 1 (Diabetic Patients with Periodontitis, DWP) included 20 individuals with both diabetes and periodontitis; Group 2 (Individuals with Periodontitis Only, WoP) comprised 20 healthy individuals with periodontitis but no diabetes; and Group 3 (Diabetic Patients without Periodontitis, DWoP) featured 20 diabetic patients without periodontitis. Salivary interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels were measured using ELISA, revealing significant elevations in Group 1, mixed responses in Group 2 (with 10 showing no inflammation), and stable levels in Group 3, indicating that diabetes alone does not lead to inflammation without periodontitis. One-way ANOVA results summarised in Table 5 highlight the interactions between diabetes, periodontitis, and salivary biomarkers, enhancing understanding of the inflammatory processes and their implications for patient management and public health research.

Conclusion: The study found that diabetic patients with periodontitis (DWP) have significantly higher IL-1 levels compared to healthy individuals, patients with periodontitis alone (WoP), and diabetic patients without periodontitis (DWoP). This increase in IL-1 in the DWP group is due to the combined effects of diabetes and periodontitis, resulting in a stronger inflammatory response. While IL-1 levels in the WoP group are elevated compared to healthy individuals, they remain lower than in the DWP group. DWoP patients have IL-1 levels similar to healthy individuals.