Evaluation of IL-1α and IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS mRNA expression in orthodontic patients given chitosan mouthwash during treatment with miniscrew

Objective: Chitosan is a biomaterial with antibacterial properties that may benefit from maintaining peri-miniscrew hygiene and preventing inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of inflammatory-related molecules from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after treatment of 1% chitosan when compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash of patients with orthodontic miniscrew. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects were divided into three groups: the first group received mouthwash containing 1% chitosan, the second group 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate, and the control group received aquadest. The GCF was collected before and after 4 days of rinsing, and relative expressions of IL-1α and IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were evaluated by real-time qPCR. Results: The expression of IL-1α was the highest in chitosan-treated patients when compared with that of IL-1β in between-groups. Patients receiving chlorhexidine have the highest expression of COX-2 and iNOS when compared with the chitosan and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: A mouthwash containing 1% of chitosan could suppress the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS.