Vivian Hirsch1, Michael Wolgin2, Aleksandr V Mitronin3, Andrej M Kielbassa1. 1. Centre for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University (DPU), Steiner Landstrasse 124, 3500 Krems, Austria. 2. Centre for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University (DPU), Steiner Landstrasse 124, 3500 Krems, Austria. Electronic address: michael.wolgin@dp-uni.ac.at. 3. Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (MSMSU), ul. Delegatskaya 20/1, 127473 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the available literature in regard to the inflammatory process and pulpitis. Setting forth to evaluate if differences in the levels of various cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8) can be observed in clinically diagnosed normal and irreversibly inflamed pulps that could serve as possible markers and/or diagnostic tools to predict and differentiate between certain states of inflammation. Methods used to measure and assess levels of cytokines have been limited to two protein quantification methods ELISA and/or Multiplex Array. DESIGN: The databases PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Reviews and Scopus were consulted for the electronic literature search. Screening of titles and abstracts followed the PRISMA guidelines while data extraction and the assessment of the full texts were carried out in accordance to the GRADES assessment. RESULTS: The review showed that significant increases in levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in irreversible pulpitis samples exist, in comparison to normal pulp samples which serve as a good basis for potential markers. Due to larger discrepancies in available literature, IL-2 seems rather unsuitable at the moment, while IL-6 and TNF alpha seem to be more promising. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that even by combining two protein quantification methods inconsistencies between studies exist. At the moment it is difficult to select just one specific cytokine suitable for testing, rather it supports the rationale that further high-quality clinical studies are needed.
OBJECTIVE: To review the available literature in regard to the inflammatory process and pulpitis. Setting forth to evaluate if differences in the levels of various cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8) can be observed in clinically diagnosed normal and irreversibly inflamed pulps that could serve as possible markers and/or diagnostic tools to predict and differentiate between certain states of inflammation. Methods used to measure and assess levels of cytokines have been limited to two protein quantification methods ELISA and/or Multiplex Array. DESIGN: The databases PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Reviews and Scopus were consulted for the electronic literature search. Screening of titles and abstracts followed the PRISMA guidelines while data extraction and the assessment of the full texts were carried out in accordance to the GRADES assessment. RESULTS: The review showed that significant increases in levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in irreversible pulpitis samples exist, in comparison to normal pulp samples which serve as a good basis for potential markers. Due to larger discrepancies in available literature, IL-2 seems rather unsuitable at the moment, while IL-6 and TNF alpha seem to be more promising. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that even by combining two protein quantification methods inconsistencies between studies exist. At the moment it is difficult to select just one specific cytokine suitable for testing, rather it supports the rationale that further high-quality clinical studies are needed.