Gingivo-Periodontal Alterations in Pediatric Leukemia: A Comparative Analysis of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17α and TGF-β1 Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plasma

Background/Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the oral health status associated with levels of certain inflammatory biomarkers in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma of children and adolescents with leukemia, in comparison to healthy subjects, in order to assess the correlation between pediatric leukemia and gingivo-periodontal alterations. Methods: The study was conducted on 97 subjects, divided into two groups: the study group, n = 47 leukemia subjects, and the control group, n = 50 healthy subjects. The collected GCF and plasma samples were analyzed for interleukins IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17α and transforming growth factor TGF-β1 values using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) techniques. Results: IL-6, IL-17α, and TGF-β1 recorded higher values for leukemia subjects, both in the GCF and plasma, compared to healthy subjects. Our results also pointed out higher gingival fluid IL-1β values in children with leukemia compared to the control group. Conclusions: Elevated expressions of IL-1β in the GCF and IL-6, IL-17α, and TGF-β1, both systemic and local, in the GCF of children with leukemia were associated with oral hygiene status and gingival inflammation, respectively. All inflammatory biomarkers generally tended to rise in close correlation with oral hygiene worsening and gingival inflammation extension; however, IL-1β in the GCF and plasma, plasma IL-6, and gingival fluid IL-17α pointed out a stronger correlation with gingival inflammation status.