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Periodontics · single question

Which interleukin is most directly and classically implicated as a key pro-inflammatory mediator driving tissue destruction in periodontal disease?

  1. IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory, generally protective cytokine)
  2. IL-12 (more associated with Th1 differentiation/cell-mediated immune responses)
  3. IL-1β (a core pro-inflammatory cytokine driving connective tissue and bone destruction in periodontal disease)
  4. None of the interleukins play a role
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. IL-1β (a core pro-inflammatory cytokine driving connective tissue and bone destruction in periodontal disease)

IL-1β is one of the central pro-inflammatory cytokines (alongside TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinases) driving the host inflammatory response responsible for periodontal connective tissue and alveolar bone destruction. IL-10, by contrast, is generally anti-inflammatory and down-regulatory, and IL-12 is more centrally involved in promoting Th1/cell-mediated immunity rather than being a hallmark periodontal-destruction cytokine.

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