Abstract

Background, aims: This study presents the first evidence on the presence of the chemokine RANTES in the gingival fluid crevicular (GCF) of patients with periodontitis. RANTES is a chemokine that selectively attracts and activates macrophages and lymphocytes. Leucocytes play a critical role in the host response to the subgingival microflora. Method: In this study the presence de RANTES in GCF was determined in samples obtained from adult patients with periodontitis and from control subjects with clinically healthy gingiva. GCF was collected from different probing depths (<3 mm, 4-6 mm, >6 mm) (n=72); and active (n=12) and inactive sites (n=12). An active site was defined as attachment loss >2 mm, as determined by sequential probing and the tolerance method. GFC was collected for 30 s using Periopaper(R) strips, and RANTES was quantified by ELISA. Results: The presence of RANTES was detected exclusively in the group of patients with periodontitis, presenting a total amount of 40.43 +/- 16 pg and a concentration 67.80+/-41 pg/mu l. RANTES concentration was significantly higher in probing depth <3 mm than in probing depth >6 mm (87.24 versus 51.87, p = 0.014). Total amount and concentration in the GCF samples from active sites were higher that in inactive sites (p>0.05). Conclusions: The finding that RANTES is found only in patients with periodontitis, may represent a general feature of chronic inflammatory in periodontal diseases. Finally, RANTES may be implicated in the biological mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease.