Objectives: Periapical exudates contain inflammatory mediators locally produced in the periapical lesions, reflecting immune responses occurred. Levels of periapical exudate Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) have been correlated with the presence of clinical symptoms that reflect the active phase of periapical periodontitis. Neutrophil elastase (NE) is one of the major proteases released by human neutrophils. An increased release of elastase might contribute to periapical tissue destruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes of the PGE2 and NE levels in periapical exudate before and after root canal treatment. Methods: A total of 34 patients (mean age: 32.07 years) with non-vital teeth were recruited and completed the study. Samples of periapical exudates were obtained from root canals of 40 single-rooted teeth with periapical symptoms at two sequential treatment visits during routine root canal treatment by quantitative sampling method using paper points. The presence of spontaneous pain, swelling, pain on palpation or percussion, fistula formation, pus discharge were recorded. PGE2 and NE levels were calculated both as total amounts (pg/site, µU/site, respectively) and concentrations (pg/µl, µU/µL, respectively). PGE2 levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. NE levels were determined in ELISA plates by measurement of p-nitroanilide resulting from hydrolysis of neutrophil elastase-specific peptide, N-methoxysuccinil-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroanilide. To compare data within groups Wilcoxon Signed rank test was used. Significance was accepted at P-level <0.05. Results: In teeth without pus discharge, periapical exudate PGE2 total amount significantly increased following first visit (P<0.05). We were unable to detect statistically significant difference in total amounts and concentrations for NE between first and second sampling visits (P>0.05). Significant correlation was found between periapical exudate NE and PGE2 levels (P<0.05). Conclusions: Mechanical irritation during root canal preparation seems to induce inflammatory response at the periapical area.

Back to the Scientific Program Program
Back to the Joint Meeting of the Continental European, Israeli, and Scandinavian (NOF) Divisions of the IADR (August 25 -- 28, 2004)

Top Level Search