eng Science and Education Publishing International Journal of Dental Sciences and Research 2333-1259 2021-12-22 9 2 37 41 10.12691/ijdsr-9-2-4 IJDSR2021924 article Arjwan M. Shuker 1 Wael T. Al-Wattar 2 Mahmoud Y.M. Taha tahadent04@yahoo.com 2 Department of Dental Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Mosul University, IRAQ Department of Oral Surgery, College of Dentistry, Mosul University, IRAQ Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is an acute inflammatory disease affecting oral mucosa. It has been reported that cytokines such as IL2, TNF ¦Á, IL6 were produced in patients with RAU. IL8 is a neutrophil chemotactic factor and its level increases in response to virus and bacterial products and TNF ¦Á or IL1¦Â production. The aim of the study was to estimate the concentration of IL-8 in RAU patients compared to control group. The study was carried out on a total number of 70 individuals of both sexes and different age groups (50 patients and 20 control ) attending Department of Oral Surgery, Unit of Oral Medicine, College of Dentistry /Mosul University for the period from 1/10/2017 to 1/4/2018. Clinical examination was performed and blood samples collected, serum was separated and used in ELISA test to estimate IL-8 concentration. The location of RAU was common in the lower lips followed by buccal mucosa. The concentration of IL-8 in RAU patients was highly significant compared to control group. Within different age groups, IL-8 was higher in age group 13-30 years old. Also high concentration of IL-8 was noticed in females more than males. Minor RAU showed higher concentration of IL-8. http://pubs.sciepub.com/ijdsr/9/2/4/ijdsr-9-2-4.pdf RAU IL-8