Comparison of oncostatin M cytokine levels in saliva and serum in periodontitis: a clinicobiochemical study.

Background: Oncostatin M (OSM), a 28 kDa glycoprotein 130 pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, is mainly produced by neutrophils, activated T cells, monocytes, and macrophages. In response to tissue injury, it may stimulate the production of IL-6 alone or act synergistically with IL-6 or TNF-α contributing to the inflammatory cycle. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease resulting from a dysbiotic bacterial community, which has a strong association with increased OSM production.

Objectives: To investigate and compare the levels of salivary and serum OSM in healthy subjects and subjects with periodontitis.

Materials and methods: Eighty-eight (88) individuals between the ages of 25 and 60 years were divided into 2 groups of 44: a periodontally healthy group (Group A) and a periodontitis group (Group B) based on clinical examination and radiographic analysis. Evaluation of salivary and serum OSM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed in both groups.

Results: There was a significant difference in OSM levels between Groups A and B ( p< 0.01), with higher values in Group B. There was a positive correlation between the clinical parameters and OSM levels, indicating that OSM plays a significant role in modulating the inflammatory response of periodontal tissues.

Conclusion: The expression of cytokine OSM may play a potential role in the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis, suggesting a role as an inflammatory diagnostic marker.