Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to compare the differences of B cells, plasma cells, and related cytokines expression in gingival tissues between periodontitis and periodontal healthy subjects. Methods Gingival tissues were collected from periodontal healthy subjects (periodontal healthy group, n=12) and periodontitis patients (periodontitis group, n=15). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used for histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining (CD19, CD38, and CD138) was applied to detect the expression of B cells and plasma cells. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Extensive inflammatory cell infiltration was found in the gingival tissues of the periodontitis group. The number of CD19(+), CD38(+), and CD138(+) cells of the periodontitis group was significantly higher than that of the periodontal healthy group (P<0.000 1). BAFF and sRANKL levels of the periodontitis group were higher than those of the periodontal healthy group (P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion The expression of B cells, plasma cells, and their related BAFF and sRANKL cytokines were significantly higher in periodontitis patients than those in the periodontal healthy subjects, suggesting that B cells and plasma cells may be involved in the development of periodontitis.

Key words: periodontitis, B cells, plasma cells, B cell activating factor, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand;