Comparison of TNF-α and TGF-β۱ level in radicular cyst and odontogenic keratocyst fluid and its association with histopathological findings

Background: TNF-α is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine and TGF-β۱ is a secretory protein controlling epithelial proliferation and differentiation. Keratocyst presents an aggressive behavior and a growth mechanism different from that of radicular cyst. Aim: In this line, the present study aimed at evaluating TNF-α and TGF-β۱ level and its association with histopathological findings in the two odontogenic lesions of different origins. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, aspirated fluid of ۱۵ cases of radicular cyst and ۱۵ cases of keratocyst were investigated using ELISA method. The grade of inflammation and the mean number of blood vessels in three microscopic fields were provided with a magnification of ۴۰ times on microscope slides. T-test, x۲, Mann Whitney, and Pearson correlation tests were used for the comparison of TNF-α and TGF-β۱ levels in the mentioned lesions and the association between cytokine levels and grade of inflammation and angiogenesis. Results: TNF-α and TGF-β۱ were observed in aspirated fluid of all radicular cysts and keratocysts. Levels of TNF-α and TGF-β۱ were found to be ۶.۷۲ ± ۲.۹۸۵ and ۵.۸۸۲ ± ۲.۹۸۵ respectively in radicular cyst fluid and ۲۴.۷۵۹ ± ۹۴.۸۴۹ and ۶۳.۳۸ ± ۳۰.۰۶۹ in keratocyst fluid however, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of TNF-α (P=۰.۴۵۰) increasing trend in TNF-α level in radicular cyst and keratocyst was accompanied by increased inflammation and angiogenesis (P<۰.۰۰۱ and P=۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: TNF-α and TGF-β۱ are involved in the pathogenesis of radicular cyst and keratocyst. TGF-β۱ level was higher in radicular cyst when compared with keratocyst however, TNF-α level was similar in the two lesions. A positive correlation was found between TNF-α level and grade of inflammation and angiogenesis.

Keywords:

Radicular cysts , Odontogenic keratocyst , TNF-α , TGF-β۱ , ELISA