The Influence of Diffuse Nontoxic Goiter on the State of Protective Mechanisms of the Oral Cavity in Children

Immunopathogenesis of inflammatory and dystrophic diseases of the tissues of the oral cavity is characterized by cellular and humoral factors of specific and nonspecific resistance, the functioning of which is determined by the overall somatic state. This study aimed to study the features of protective mechanisms of the oral cavity due to orthodontic pathology, pathology of periodontal tissues, and odontogenic inflammatory process in children with diffuse nontoxic goiter. Eighty children with diffuse nontoxic goiter aged 12-15 years with different dental status were examined. Evaluation of local immunity of the oral cavity was carried out by determining the content of sIgA, IgA, IgG, lysozyme activity, and levels of IL-1β, IL-4 by enzyme immunoassay. Immunological studies have shown that in children with diffuse nontoxic goiter, the activity of lysozyme in the oral fluid is decreased. The level of sIgА is also reduced by about 20%. Besides, there is an increase in the content of IgG and a growing trend in the level of IgА. The content of IL-1β and IL-4 in such children fluctuates more compared to somatically healthy children. In conclusion, a violation of the local protective mechanisms of the oral cavity is observed in children with diffuse nontoxic goiter. Also, the increase in the severity of dental pathology leads to increased tension of local protective and compensatory reactions.