Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Cytokines in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Children with Stainless Steel Crowns: A Clinico-biochemical Study

Introduction: Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that draw particular leukocyte subsets into inflammatory tissues. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) serves as a diagnostic fluid to measure these biomarkers released during inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1α and 1β in children with stainless steel crowns (SSC). Materials and methods: A total of 20 molars in children aged 6–10 years requiring SSC were included in this study (primary and permanent). A total of 20 teeth (control)—same tooth with clinically healthy gingiva before tooth preparation for stainless steel crown. A total of 20 teeth (control)—One month after placing the stainless-steel crown. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected using microcapillary pipettes from standardized sites of each molar, and quantitative measurement was done. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, MIP-1α and 1β levels were determined. Results: Results showed statistically significant differences between both groups (p-value of <0.005). The highest mean concentration of the cytokines was found in group II. It was present at a much lesser concentration in group I, confirming the association of these cytokines with inflammation. Conclusion: Improperly placed or ill-fitting stainless-steel crowns often predispose to gingival inflammation, recruiting leukocytes into the gingival crevice. In children with SSC, GCF is a noninvasive diagnostic fluid for measuring chemokines like MIP-1α and 1β, which are biomarkers for identifying underlying inflammation.