Oral diseases
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The distribution and biological roles of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the synovial fluid of patients with non-inflammatory chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders were evaluated in relation to pain upon joint movements and X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. ⋯ The results indicated that the IL-6 and TIMP-1 levels in the TMJ aspirates of patients with chronic TMJ disorders have been raised. The former was not detected in the TMJ aspirates of the control. These findings suggest that IL-6 and TIMP-1 might play a role in the etiology of chronic TMJ disorders, but further studies are needed to validate this.