Effects of Anti-TNF and Anti-IL-12/IL-23 Antibody Treatments on Periodontal Inflammation

Overview

This study investigates the impact of anti-TNF and anti-IL-12/23 therapies on periodontal health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Findings indicate that anti-IL-12/23 therapy is associated with lower periodontal inflammation and reduced IL-6 levels in gingival crevicular fluid compared to anti-TNF therapy.

Background

Periodontitis is prevalent among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The dysregulation of mucosal immunity in IBD may contribute to increased periodontal disease activity. Understanding the effects of biological therapies on periodontal health is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 16 patients had known or previously undiagnosed periodontitis.
• Anti-IL-12/23 therapy resulted in lower mean and maximal PSI scores compared to anti-TNF therapy.
• No sextants with advanced periodontal inflammation were found in the anti-IL-12/23 group.
• Active or latent periodontitis was present in both anti-TNF and control groups.
• IL-6 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were significantly reduced in the anti-IL-12/23 group compared to controls.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the effects of biological therapies on both intestinal and oral health when managing patients with IBD.

Conclusion

This study highlights the association between IL-12/23 inhibition and reduced periodontal inflammation in IBD patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. The New Gastroenterologist, American Gastroenterological Association, 2025 -- Choosing Treatment Options for Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Essential Considerations in the Decision-Making Process
2. Journal of Gastroenterology, Springer, 2018 -- Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
3. Assessment of Interleukin-6 and Its Soluble Receptor Components sIL-6R and sgp130 as Inflammatory Markers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Springer, 2018
4. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, Oxford Academic, 2020 -- Clinical Outcomes After First-Line Anti-Tumor-Necrosis-Factor Treatment of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
5. American Gastroenterological Association, 2025 -- American Gastroenterological Association streamlines Crohn’s disease treatment guidance as new therapies expand options
6. New England Journal of Medicine, 2005 -- Infliximab for Induction and Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis
7. BMC Oral Health, Springer, 2025 -- A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the association between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel diseases
8. American Gastroenterological Association streamlines Crohn’s disease treatment guidance as new therapies expand options - American Gastroenterological Association
9. Infliximab for Induction and Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis | New England Journal of Medicine
10. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the association between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel diseases | BMC Oral Health | Springer Nature Link