Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β levels among subjects vaping e-cigarettes and nonsmokers

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate peri-implant immunological parameters along with clinical and radiographic parameters amongst subjects vaping e-cigarettes and nonsmokers (NS). Two immunological parameters that were included were measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-1 beta. Materials and Methods: A statistically significant number of subjects were included in the study and further divided into two groups: Group-1: Vaping e-cigs (n = 47) Group-2: Nonsmokers (n = 45) A structured questionnaire was used at baseline for data collection related to demographic and peri-implant data of each individual. Baseline parameters included plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and peri-implant bone loss (PI, BOP, PD, and PIBL, respectively) for those vaping e-cigs and nonsmokers with the aid of standardized digital radiographs. ELISA kit was used to assess immunologic parameters using sulcular fluid collected from peri-implant region (PISF). Results: Bleeding on probing (BOP) was found significantly high in nonsmokers compared to the vaping group. But probing depth greater than 4 mm and PIBL scores were significantly higher in the vaping group than nonsmokers. Mean concentrations of immunologic parameters were significantly higher in vaping group than in nonsmokers. TNF-alpha levels and IL-1 beta levels were found to have a positive correlation with bone loss around implants (PIBL). Besides, TNF-alpha also had a positive correlation with bleeding on probing in vaping group compared to nonsmokers. Conclusions: Owing to the effect of nicotine on the peri-implant tissue, levels of inflammatory mediators as detected by ELISA tests were found to be higher showing a greater amount of localized inflammatory tissue destruction and a compromised peri-implant area in vaping subjects. PISF concentrations were also found relatively higher than nonsmokers.