Cytokines play an important role in the pathology associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. in healthy subjects, respectively (p < 0.05). GCF IL-6 levels were markedly higher in NIDDM and adult periodontitis groups compared to the healthy controls. No correlation was found between GCF IL-6 levels and all clinical parameters. These findings suggested that GCF IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the area of inflammation and periodontal destruction locally. The high IL-6 levels in NIDDM patients might be due to different microbial flora in periodontal pockets and altered immune system. Future studies are needed to evaluate the complex interaction among IL-6 GCF levels, host response and local microbial environment in the NIDDM patients.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of local drug delivery on subgingival plaque flora using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and methylcellulose (MC) base material containing 40 % doxycycline (DOXY). Eleven patients who had at least four pockets exceeding 5 mm in depth associated with a single rooted tooth were selected from volunteers after an initial examination. Two of the pockets were chosen at random for insertion of the HPMC and MC strips twice a week for 6 w. One pocket received no treatment, and the other was debrided and root-planed only. Baseline and follow-up measurements at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 10 w included probing depth, gingival shrinkage, bleeding on probing and crevicular fluid flow. Subgingival bacterial samples were also taken for dark-field microscopy. In vitro drug release from the HPMC strips was greater than that from MC. Significant improvements in many clinical parameters occurred in the pockets treated with HPMC or MC strips, or mechanical debridement. There was a marked decrease in the relative proportions of motile organisms during and after treatment.

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