IL-17, A Possible Salivary Biomarker for Preterm Birth in Females with Periodontitis

Previous studies have suggested that chronic periodontal infection may be associate with preterm births and low birth weight. The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in saliva samples of pregnant females as a possible marker in determining whether or not an association exists between chronic periodontitis and preterm labor. The aim of the study is to assess the relation between the periodontal health status and preterm low birth weight of the new born on the basis of salivary IL-17 levels. This case–control study included a random sample of 40 female patients, aged 18 to 35 years, who were in their second trimester, assigned to two groups, Group 1 consisted of 20 pregnant females without periodontitis, Group 2 included 20 pregnant females with periodontitis. Saliva samples were obtained in the second trimester and postpartum. Saliva samples were measured by using ELISA for IL-17 levels. IL-17 levels in saliva were significantly higher in Group 2 than that of Group 1(p < 0.001). There was no significant difference found between the preterm and low birth weight cases and periodontitis. This study did not find any association between the periodontitis and preterm deliveries and low birth weight cases on the basis of IL-17 levels in saliva.