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Biological Markers for Pulpal Inflammation: A Systematic Review
Dan-Krister Rechenberg1, Johnah C Galicia2, Ove A Peters2
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Plos One
|November 30, 2016
Summary
Biomarkers can help diagnose pulpitis, an inflammation of the dental pulp. This systematic review found specific biomarkers in pulp tissue, gingival crevicular fluid, and dentin fluid that distinguish between healthy and diseased pulp.
Area of Science:
- Dental science
- Biomarker research
- Endodontics
Background:
- Pulpitis results from opportunistic oral microorganism infections.
- Accurate diagnosis of pulpal status is crucial for predictable vital pulp therapy.
- Host response factors like cytokines and proteases may serve as pulpitis biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature for the presence of biomarkers in pulpitis.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of biomarkers in differentiating pulpitis stages.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus) up to February 2015.
- Two independent reviewers extracted data on study design, biomarkers, and outcomes.
- Study quality assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Main Results:
- 57 articles were included from 847 initial publications.
- Irreversible pulpitis showed distinct biomarker expression compared to healthy pulp.
- Biomarkers were detected in pulp tissue, gingival crevicular fluid, and dentin fluid.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers can differentiate between healthy and diseased pulp tissue.
- Non-invasive sampling of gingival crevicular fluid and dentin fluid is feasible for biomarker analysis.
- Pulpal biomarkers offer potential for a more accurate, biologically based diagnostic tool in endodontics.
