TNF-α and TGF-β1 level in radicular cyst and odontogenic keratocyst fluid

TNF-α is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine and TGF-β1 is a secretory protein controlling epithelial proliferation and differentiation. Keratocyst presents an aggressive behavior and a growth mechanism different from that of radicular cyst. In this line, the present study aimed at evaluating TNF-α and TGF-β1 level and its association with histopathological findings in the two odontogenic lesions of different origins. In this case-control study, aspirated fluid of 15 cases of radicular cyst and 15 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 40 times on microscope slides. T-test, x2, Mann Whitney, and Pearson correlation tests were used for the comparison of TNF-α and TGF-β1 levels in the mentioned lesions and the association between cytokine levels and grade of inflammation and angiogenesis. TNF-α and TGF-β1 were observed in aspirated fluid of all radicular cysts and keratocysts. Levels of TNF-α and TGF-β1 were found to be 6.72 ± 2.985 and 5.882 ± 2.985 respectively in radicular cyst fluid and 24.759 ± 94.849 and 63.38 ± 30.069 in keratocyst fluid; however, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of TNF-α (P=0.450); increasing trend in TNF-α level in radicular cyst and keratocyst was accompanied by increased inflammation and angiogenesis (P<0.001 and P=0.001). TNF-α and TGF-β1 are involved in the pathogenesis of radicular cyst and keratocyst. TGF-β1 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.