Interferon Crevicular Fluid Profile and Correlation with Periodontal Disease and Wound Healing: A Systemic Review of Recent Data

The purpose of the present study was to see if there is a correlation between the effect of interferons in crevicular fluid and periodontitis, evaluating literature. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is an immunoregulatory cytokine that, when activated by its receptor, plays an important role in the activation of inflammatory processes, which are the basis of periodontal disease. Stem cells in the periodontal ligament, like stem cells from other tissues, have immunomodulatory capacity and are regulated by some cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The study searched MEDLINE databases from 2008 to 2018. Clinical human in vitro and in vivo studies had reported a correlation between interferon and periodontitis. The initial search obtained 359 citations. After screening and determination of eligibility, nine articles were included in the review. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in IFN-gamma gene expression were observed in some studies in the chronic periodontitis group. In some cases it was suggested that molecular mechanisms underlie the possible roles of IFN-gamma in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Neopterin belongs to the chemical group known as pteridines. It is synthesised by human macrophages upon stimulation with the interferon-gamma. Neopterin concentrations in body fluids are high in the case of infections, immune diseases or graft rejection. In the chronic periodontitis group, this marker is significantly higher. These studies underlined the clinical evidence between interferons in the crevicular fluid and inflammatory response of periodontitis. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence that could lead the clinician to an interferon-modulated therapy because of periodontitis.