Abstract:

Objective To detect the distributions and expressions of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) and TLR-4 in different kinds of periodontitis and different extent of the inflammation of gingival tissues and to discuss the roles of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in the progress of periodontal inflammation. Methods Gingival biopsies were divided into 5 groups: control group (n=10), chronic periodontitis group (n=10), chronic periodontitis clinically healthy group (n=10), aggressive periodontitis group (n=10), and aggressive periodontitis clinically healthy group (n=10). The distributions and expressions of TLR-2 and TLR-4 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results TLR-2 and TLR-4 expressed in all layers of gingival connective tissues. TLR-4 was also observed in gingival epithelium. Compared to control group, expressions of TLR-2 and TLR-4 were significantly higher than those in the other 4 groups (P<0.05). Expressions of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in chronic periodontitis group were significantly higher than those in aggressive periodontitis group (P<0.05). Expression of TLR-4 in chronic periodontitis clinically healthy group was significantly higher than that in aggressive periodontitis clinically healthy group (P<0.05). But expression of TLR-2 in chronic periodontitis clinically healthy group was significantly lower than that in aggressive periodontitis clinically healthy group (P<0.05). Conclusion TLR-2 and TLR-4 might be involved in the progress of periodontal inflammation. But expressions of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in gingival tissues from different kinds periodontitis may be different.

Key words: Toll-like receptor, chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, gingiva