Decoding Temporomandibular Disorders: Identifying Stage-Specific and Functional Patterns in the Articular Disc.

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Immunohistochemistry
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Background:

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect ~30% of the population, with unclear pathogenesis.
• Disc displacement and degeneration are linked to biomechanical dysfunction.
• Articular disc biomarkers are key to understanding TMD mechanisms and improving diagnostics/therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review immunohistochemical biomarkers in the TMJ articular disc.
• Focus on internal derangement and disc displacement.
• Correlate biomarkers with clinical, radiological, and histological findings for functional and stage-specific relevance.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of databases and journals.
• Included studies used immunohistochemistry and control groups.
• Analyzed biomarker patterns, clinical, radiological, histological findings, and demographics per PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

• Included 511 patients (579 samples) and 132 controls (158 samples).
• Identified 24 biomarkers involved in inflammation, ECM remodeling, and degeneration.
• Classified biomarkers by function and stage for early detection, staging, and personalized treatment.

Conclusions:

• Disc biopsy provides insights into TMD progression from displacement to degeneration.
• Clinical utility of disc biopsy is limited by invasiveness, ethics, and lack of standardized protocols.
• Further research needed for validated biomarker profiles and reliable study designs.