Interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab ameliorates periodontal inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis as well as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play a pathological role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis. Although the efficacy of medication with IL-6 receptor inhibitor, tocilizumab (TCZ), has been demonstrated in the treatment of RA, very little is known about whether TCZ therapy affects periodontitis. The aim of the present study is to compare periodontal condition in patients with RA and periodontitis before and after TCZ therapy.

Assessment of interleukin-6 receptor inhibition therapy on periodontal condition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis.

Background: Overproduction of interleukin (IL)-6 may play a pathologic role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP). The present study assesses IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibition therapy on the periodontal condition of patients with RA and CP.

Methods: The study participants were 28 patients with RA and CP during treatment with IL-6R inhibitor, and 27 patients with RA and CP during treatment without IL-6R inhibitor.