Abstract
Background. Cytokines play an important role in regulating the host response to infection and tissue damage. The aim of this research was to compare the salivary levels of interleukin 6 and 8 in people with geographic tongue and healthy people.
Methods. In this case-control study, 34 people with geographic tongue and 34 healthy people participated. Non-stimulated saliva samples were collected from both groups. Subjects spit their saliva into Falcon tubes every 60 seconds for 6 minutes. After completing the sampling, the amount of interleukin 6 and 8 was measured using the ELISA technique. Data analysis was done using independent t-test in SPSS version 24. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results. The mean level of interleukin 8 was significantly higher in patients with geographic tongue (87.53±7.38 pg/mL) than in healthy subjects (53.53±6.04 pg/mL) (P<0.05). The mean level of interleukin 6 was significantly higher in patients with geographic tongue (519.11±49.92 pg/mL) than in healthy subjects (459.65±46.11 pg/mL) (P<0.05). In both control and patient groups, the level of interleukin 6 and 8 in women was significantly higher than in men (P<0.05).
Conclusion. The mean levels of interleukin 8 and interleukin 6 in patients with geographic tongue were significantly higher compared to healthy subjects.
Practical Implications. By determining the level of interleukins 8 and 6 in geographic tongue patients, their selective antagonists may induce therapeutic effects.