Salivary Biomarkers in Periodontal Disease Progression

Overview

This study aims to evaluate salivary biomarkers associated with bone remodeling during the transition from periodontal health to disease. Periodontal diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation that can lead to connective tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss. Although diagnosis is primarily based on clinical and radiographic findings, these methods may not fully reflect disease activity or progression. In this observational study, individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis will be included. Salivary levels of IL-17, IL-23, IL-6, TGF-β, RANKL, and OPG will be measured using ELISA. The relationship between these biomarkers and periodontal disease stage and grade will be analyzed. The results are expected to improve understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease progression and to assess the potential role of salivary biomarkers in early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by progressive destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, including connective tissue and alveolar bone. The transition from periodontal health to disease involves complex interactions between the host immune response and microbial factors, leading to alterations in bone remodeling processes. Recent evidence suggests that salivary biomarkers may provide valuable insights into disease activity and progression. In particular, cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, and IL-6, as well as bone remodeling-related markers including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG), are thought to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. This observational study is designed to investigate the levels of these salivary biomarkers in individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Participants will be classified according to established periodontal disease staging and grading criteria. Unstimulated saliva samples will be collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The primary objective is to evaluate differences in biomarker levels among study groups and to assess their association with periodontal disease severity. Secondary analyses will explore correlations between biomarker profiles and clinical periodontal parameters. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease progression and to support the potential use of salivary biomarkers as non-invasive tools for early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.