Inflammatory Cytokines And Fe2+In Periodontitis And Type 1 Diabetes

Pathological pathways in common diseases such as diabetes and periodontitis involved alterations in iron metabolism. The bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus has been extensively documented. However, the precise influence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and periodontitis on inflammatory cytokines and iron metabolism remained poorly understood. This study investigated the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of inflammatory cytokines and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) in periodontitis patients with or without T1D to elucidate their synergistic roles. A total of 72 patients who were approved by the ethics committee between 2023 and 2024 were included in the study and were divided into four groups: T1D, periodontitis (P), T1D with periodontitis (DP), and periodontally and systemically healthy controls (Control). GCF samples were collected and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Fe²⁺ were quantified by spectrophotometry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical analysis was performed with a one-way ANOVA test and Spearman correlation analysis. Significant higher levels of IL-6, TNF-α, CRP and Fe2+ were found in the disease groups compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, Fe²⁺ correlated strongly with inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated that T1D and periodontitis intensified the inflammatory response and iron metabolic disturbance. Mechanisms mediated by Fe2+ might act as a critical link between T1D and periodontal tissue damage. Targeting iron homeostasis alongside glycemic and periodontal management might offer therapeutic benefits for this high-risk population.