Relationship between salivary levels of interleukin‐8 and HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease, which genetic and environmental factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Cytokines as important elements in the immune system have diverse expressions in different individuals and societies and are effective in the pathogenesis of diabetes. This study investigated the relationship between blood sugar control and salivary levels of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 73 subjects (35 diabetic and 38 healthy individuals). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and the correlation between IL‐8, as an inflammatory marker and HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1C) was studied. RESULTS: The levels of IL‐8 and HbA1c were significantly higher in the patient group than control group (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). There was not any relationship between salivary IL‐8 levels and glycemic control levels (p = .629). Also, there was no remarkable difference between men and women in terms of the levels of IL‐8 and HbA1c saliva (p = .524, p = .998, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the salivary IL‐8 levels were higher in the diabetic patients, blood sugar control did not significantly affect cytokine concentrations. Increased salivary levels of IL‐8 in patients with type 2 diabetes could be a basis for risk assessment, prevention and treatment of diabetes‐related complications.