Salivary and serum immune system in relation to caries-experience among type 1 insulin-dependent diabetic children

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiology, effects of the disease include long-term
damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs in addition to oral complications.
Aims of this study: These were to investigate the severity of dental caries in relation to salivary and serum immune
system (IgA, IgG, IgM), tumor necrosis factor–a (TNF-a) and interlukin–6 (IL-6) in addition to salivary peroxidase
enzyme among type 1 insulin dependent diabetic children.
Patients and methods: The study group included 60 children, with an age range of 11-13 years of both sexes. They
were with confirmed diagnosis of type 1 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Children were divided into two groups
according to the duration of the disease. The control group included 30 children matching with an age and gender
with the two study groups. Assessment and recording of caries – experience were through the application of
decayed, missing and filled surface index (DMFS&dmfs). The collection of stimulated salivary samples was performed
under standardized condition. Salivary and serum samples were chemically analyzed for detection of immune
system.
Results: A high severity of dental caries was seen among diabetic group compared to the control, differences were
statistically highly significant in permanent dentition. High mean values were recorded concerning salivary IgA, IL-6
and TNF-a among the long duration diabetic group with statistically highly significant difference between groups in
IgA & IL-6, while IgM showed the highest mean value in saliva of the control group, differences were highly significant
between the examined groups. A highest mean value in salivary peroxidase was recorded among the newly
diagnosed diabetic. Statistically significant differences were seen in serum IgA & IgM between different groups.
Conclusions: Increase values of salivary and serum immune factors recorded among diabetic children compared to
healthy.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, immune system, cytokines, dental caries. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2010;22(2):108-112).