GCF NLRP3 as a Biomarker for Assessing Endodontic Treatment Outcomes in Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Biomarkers
• Inflammation

Background:

• Biomarker-based evaluation offers objective endodontic outcome assessment.
• The NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential indicator in dental inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate pain level changes with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) NLRP3 inflammasome levels in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) before and after endodontic treatment.

Main Methods:

• A nonrandomized comparative study included 15 SIP patients and 15 controls.
• GCF samples were analyzed using ELISA, and pain was assessed via HP-VAS.
• Data were analyzed using linear mixed models, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Spearman correlation.

Main Results:

• Baseline GCF-NLRP3 levels were significantly higher in SIP-affected teeth compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• Post-treatment GCF-NLRP3 levels and HP-VAS scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively).
• The reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome activity strongly correlated with pain reduction (r = 0.686, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• GCF-NLRP3 levels serve as a reliable biomarker for endodontic treatment outcomes in SIP.
• Monitoring GCF-NLRP3 can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for endodontic procedures.
• GCF-NLRP3 shows promise for improving endodontic efficacy and patient care.