Aim: To compare the levels and relative ratios of Interleukin-34, osteoprotegrin, and factor kB ligand in the crevicular fluid of individuals with periodontal disease.

Study design & setting: Randomized Clinical Trial, Frontier Medical And Dental College, Abbotabad

Methodology: We enrolled 15 healthy subjects (Group I), 15 patients with chronic periodontal disease (Group II) and 15 patients with aggressive periodontal disease (Group III). At baseline and six weeks after NSPT, crevicular fluid and clinical measures were made. The GCF IL-34, factor kB ligand, and osteoprotegrin levels were measured by using ELISA and their relative ratios were computed.

Result: Group II and III had significantly higher crevicular fluid IL-34 and factor kB ligand levels than the Control group (I), although crevicular fluid with osteoprotegrin levels was significantly decreased (P<0.05). GCF, IL-34, and RANKL levels reduced in Groups II and III six weeks after NSPT, although OPG concentrations increased statistically (P<0.05). Significantly positive association was observed between IL-34 and factor kB ligand, clinical attachment level, and gingival index, but not with osteoprotegrin.

Conclusion: Gingival crevicular fluid IL-34 levels were elevated in individuals with periodontal disease and lowered during non surgical intervention, and its levels correlated positively with the factor kB ligand and osteoprotegrin ratios, clinical attachment level, and gingival index.

Keywords: Periodontitis, IL-34, osteoprotegrin