The relation between serum levels of interleukin 10 and interferon-gamma with oral candidiasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common endocrine diseases that weakens the immune system. Candida albicans, is part of the natural oral flora and increases in cases of compromised immune systems. The exact cause of the increased prevalence of candidiasis in patients with T2DM is still unclear. The study aimed to correlate serum interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interferon-gamma cytokines (IFN-γ) with oral candidiasis in T2DM. METHODS: In this case–control study, 81 patients with T2DM and 41 non-diabetic individuals aged 30 to 70 years participated. Demographic information, a Blood sample (for blood glucose and cytokine tests), and an oral cotton swab sample from each individual were obtained. The samples were then incubated in a Sabroud dextrose agar medium. Colony growth was calculated and the type of yeast species in individuals with oral candidiasis was identified by culture in CHROMagar Candida medium. IL-10 and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA kit and the data were analyzed using SPSS-18. RESULTS: An overall of 122 participants comprised 73.77% females and 26.22% males. An increase in interleukin-10 by 40% and a decrease in IFN-γ by 6% can increase oral candidiasis prevalence among diabetic patients. Candida albicans was the most prevalent Candida species (spp.) in the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. The presence of oral candidiasis was not associated with HbA1c or FBS levels in both groups. CONCLUSION: In the diabetic population, an increase in IL-10 or a decrease in IFN-γ may be associated with an increased risk of oral candidiasis.