The trefoil factor family 1 (TFF-1) and 3 (TFF-3) are upregulated in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid and serum of periodontitis patients

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the levels of trefoil factor family (TFF)-1, TFF-3 and interleukin (IL)-1β in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva and serum of patients with gingivitis, stage 3 periodontitis and healthy individuals.

Materials and methods: A total of 100 individuals consisting of 25 periodontally healthy, 25 gingivitis and 50 stage 3 periodontitis, were enrolled in the study. Clinical periodontal examinations were recorded and GCF, saliva and serum samples were obtained. TFF-1, TFF-3 and IL-1β were measured by ELISA.

Results: TFF-1 and TFF-3 levels in both GCF, saliva and serum were higher in periodontitis patients than healthy controls (p < .001) and gingivitis group (p < .01). The levels of these peptides in all biofluids were similar between gingivitis and healthy control groups (p > .05). GCF, saliva and serum IL-1β levels were also higher in periodontitis patients than the controls (p < .01). Periodontitis patients had elevated GCF and saliva IL-β levels than gingivitis group (p < .001).

Conclusion: Elevated TFF-1 and TFF-3 levels both locally and systemically in periodontitis in parallel to increased IL-1β levels might suggest that these peptides are involved in host response during the periodontal tissue destruction.