The Role of Interleukin-12 Cytokines in Periodontitis Pathogenesis

Every inflammatory process is fueled by a cascade of inflammatory mediators. Periodontitis is a common inflammatory condition that affects people worldwide. The causative bacteria release chemicals that activate the innate immune system, causing it to secrete proinflammatory cytokines, which aid in further progression. This activates the acquired immune system, causing further damage to the periodontal attachment apparatus. The cytokines released by the immune response can cause additional damage to the periodontal ligaments, gingiva, and alveolar bone as the immune response advances. Cytokines of various sorts have been associated with periodontitis.
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a powerful harmful stimulant in the pathophysiology of many inflammatory diseases. Increased levels of IL-12 in blood and gingival crevicular fluid have been linked to the severity of periodontitis. However, the specific role of IL-12 in periodontitis remains uncertain.
This chapter will focus on IL-12 cytokines as inflammatory mediators in periodontal disease. It describes the pathophysiology of periodontitis and the key inflammatory mediators.