Transcriptomic Biomarkers Associated With Pulpitis: A Systematic Review and Functional Meta-Synthesis of...

Pulpitis, a common inflammatory dental condition, lacks reliable non-invasive diagnostic methods. This study reviewed transcriptomic analyses of human pulp tissue to identify diagnostic biomarkers for pulpitis. Seven studies were included, revealing key biomarkers such as IL6, CXCL8, MMP9, NLRP3, and METTL3. Five studies validated their findings experimentally (RT-qPCR), while two relied on in silico validation. Functional meta-analysis demonstrated significant enrichment in inflammation-related pathways, including cytokine signaling, neutrophil chemotaxis, and NF-κB activation. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis further confirmed strong functional clustering among inflammatory mediators like IL6, TNF, STAT3, and CXCL8. These findings underscore the reproducibility of inflammatory and immune-related biomarkers in pulpitis, supporting their potential for developing objective, gene-based diagnostic tools. The study highlights the translational value of bioinformatics in refining pulpitis diagnosis through molecular signatures. Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD420251105137.