IL-33 in patients with periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Hum Immunol. 2024 May 15:110811. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110811. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: A link between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been identified, and interleukin-33 (IL-33) may play an important role in the common inflammatory mechanisms of these diseases. This study analyzed the associations of the serum IL-33 level with the occurrence and severity of periodontitis and COPD.

Methods: A total of 161 participants were divided into four groups: healthy volunteers, periodontitis patients, COPD patients, and patients with both COPD and periodontitis. Associations between serum IL-33 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinical factors as well as the risks and severity of periodontitis and COPD were analyzed.

Results: Serum IL-33 levels were lower in all patient groups than in healthy controls. A trend toward lower IL-33 levels was observed among patients with both diseases compared with patients with either disease alone. The serum IL-33 level was also inversely associated with the severity of periodontitis and COPD. The serum IL-33 level was negatively associated with risks of periodontitis and COPD, indicating that IL-33 is likely involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of the relationship between COPD and periodontitis.

Conclusion: This study advances our understanding of the association between COPD and periodontitis and provides new bases for COPD prevention and treatment.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Interleukin-33; Pathogenesis; Periodontitis.