Proinflammatory cytokines in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid before and after arthrocentesis

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid of the patients with internal derangement before and 2 weeks after arthrocentesis. Study design. Forty TMJs of 35 patients (29 females and 6 males, mean age 22.9 years) were included to the study. TMJs were divided into 2 groups: disc displacement with reduction (Group 1, n = 24) and disc displacement without reduction (Group 2, n = 16). Synovial fluid samples were obtained before and 2 weeks after arthrocentesis. IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, and TNF-alpha concentrations were measured by using specific kits. Results. Two weeks after the arthrocentesis procedures, all cytokines were found to be significantly decreased (P < .05) both in Group 1 and Group 2. The difference between 2 groups was insignificant (P > .05). Conclusion. Arthrocentesis is an effective technique for eliminating the studied cytokines from the TMJ synovial fluid. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;107:e1-e4)