Comparison of Th1/Th2 Cytokine Profiles of Initial Wound Healing of Rats Induced by PDCM and e-PTFE

Because periodontal regeneration is vital in the modern treatment of periodontal defects, artificial membranes have become a key component for predictable outcomes. Herein a new ranking system to analyze the expression of different cytokines around regenerative membranes is introduced. Porcine dermal collagen membranes (PDCMs) and GORE-TEX® (e-PTFE) membranes were used for implantation in a Sprague Dawley rat model. Tissue samples were harvested at three time intervals (7, 10, and 14 days); then an immunohistochemical ranking process was conducted to determine the intensity of the selected Th1/Th2 cytokines [Th1: interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferone-γ (IFN-γ); Th2: IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13]. The results show that the intensities of IL-2 cytokine in PDCM groups were slightly higher than those of e-PTFE groups but without statistical significance. The level of interferon-γ in PDCM groups was lower than that of e-PTFE groups, but also without significant differences. However, expressions of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) induced by e-PTFE were generally higher than those of PDCM and control groups at all times (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). In a comparison of the mean ratio of IL-2/IL-4 with the use of the Mann-Whitney U test, data for the PDCM group were generally higher than those of the e-PTFE group, with statistical significance at all time intervals (p < 0.05). A descending order of the intensity ratio of IL-2/IL-4 was PDCM groups > control groups > e-PTFE groups. These findings indicate that the cytokine profiles of PDCM, in connection with the GTR technique, demonstrate a higher trend toward Th1-dominated responses and may protect against periodontal tissue destruction, as compared to the Th2-dominated responses of e-PTFE.