Biological Markers in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid Associated with External Invasive Resorption: A Split-Mouth...

Area of Science:

• Oral Biology
• Periodontology
• Biomarkers in Dental Disease

Background:

• External invasive resorption (EIR) is a pathological process affecting teeth.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of EIR is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
• Specific biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid may indicate disease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare levels of specific biomarkers in teeth with EIR versus healthy contralateral teeth.
• To investigate the association of EIR with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and other inflammatory mediators.
• To explore the influence of medical history (herpes zoster) and dental treatment (orthodontics) on these biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of gingival crevicular fluid from 33 paired teeth (EIR vs. healthy controls) in 29 patients.
• Measurement of IL-1RA, RANKL, OPG, IL-1β, osteopontin, and TNF-α concentrations.
• Radiographical and CBCT imaging, clinical examination, and statistical analysis (Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis tests).

Main Results:

• Teeth with EIR showed significantly lower IL-1RA and OPG concentrations compared to healthy teeth.
• The RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly higher in teeth with EIR.
• Herpes zoster history correlated with higher IL-1RA and RANKL/OPG; orthodontic treatment with lower OPG.

Conclusions:

• External invasive resorption is significantly associated with altered levels of IL-1RA, OPG, and the RANKL/OPG ratio.
• Biomarker profiles in gingival crevicular fluid can reflect EIR status.
• Past herpes zoster infection and orthodontic treatment are linked to specific changes in these biomarkers.