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Lubricin Levels in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Scoping Review
Paweł Sikora1, Maciej Chęciński2,3, Tomasz Horodniczy4
1Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Synovial fluid lubricin levels may decrease with advanced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, potentially correlating with increased pain. More research is needed to confirm proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) as a biomarker for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Lubricin (proteoglycan 4, PRG4) is crucial for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lubrication and homeostasis.
- Limited clinical data exists on synovial fluid (SF) lubricin levels in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To map and synthesize clinical evidence on SF lubricin levels in TMD patients.
- To examine the relationship between lubricin levels and clinical outcomes like pain and mandibular mobility.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review of multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.).
- Inclusion of studies reporting on SF lubricin levels in TMD patients.
- Synthesis of data from two included studies.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings suggest lower SF lubricin in advanced TMJ pathology, including osteoarthritis.
- Reduced lubricin levels may correlate with increased pain intensity and impaired boundary lubrication in TMDs.
- Earlier internal derangement stages showed lubricin levels similar to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is limited, insufficient to validate PRG4 as a biomarker for TMDs.
- A potential association exists between reduced SF lubricin and more severe TMJ disease.
- Further rigorous clinical studies are necessary to confirm findings and assess clinical relevance.
