Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in endodontics: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dental pulp inflammation (pulpitis) can lead to tissue necrosis and apical periodontitis.
• Current pulpitis treatment involves total pulp removal, which has drawbacks like loss of defense and healing capacities.
• There is a need for therapeutic tools to manage the immune/inflammatory process in endodontics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of Specialized Pro-resolving Lipid Mediators (SPMs) in endodontic therapies.
• To explore the potential of SPMs in managing dental pulp inflammation and promoting regeneration.
• To emphasize SPM delivery systems for effective administration in the dental pulp space.

Main Methods:

• Literature review analyzing the involvement and potential use of SPMs in endodontic therapies.
• Examination of SPM mechanisms in resolving inflammation, enhancing efferocytosis, and inhibiting cytokine production.
• Discussion of experimental clinical applications of SPMs in various inflammatory diseases.

Main Results:

• SPMs actively resolve inflammation by reducing neutrophil infiltration and enhancing phagocytosis.
• SPMs inhibit inflammatory cytokine production without directly blocking the inflammatory process.
• Experimental applications of SPMs show promise in diverse inflammatory conditions.

Conclusions:

• SPMs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for endodontic treatment.
• Targeting SPMs could offer an alternative to pulp extirpation, preserving pulp vitality and function.
• Further research into SPM delivery systems is crucial for clinical application in endodontics.