Dental and Medical Problems最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of the effectiveness of psycho-behavioral-relaxation and occlusal splint therapy in the treatment of myalgia.","authors":"Anna Sójka-Makowska, Magdalena Łukaszewska-Kuska, Rafał Brożek, Magdalena Sobieska, Barbara Dorocka-Bobkowska","doi":"10.17219/dmp/202962","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/202962","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The current treatment for patients with myalgia comprises splint therapy (ST), cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT), psychological treatment, and education.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of relax-psycho-breathing therapy (RPB) and ST in women with myalgia, and to evaluate the efficacy of occlusal splint and/or behavioral therapy in the management of muscle pain.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The study, designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), involved 105 women aged 25-55 years with pain in the masticatory muscles during the 30 days prior to examination. Myalgia was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I. The clinical examination assessed muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain intensity, TMJ sounds, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and deviation in mouth opening and mandibular movement. After an initial assessment, at the 2nd visit (V2), the 25 patients from the 1st group were introduced to RPB: relaxation techniques; breathing patterns; psychological-behavioral instruction; muscle exercise therapy; puffing therapy; and self-massage. The 2nd group of patients received a custom-made, thermoplastic, flatplane relaxation splint placed on the mandible. The efficacy of treatment in all subjects was evaluated at 2 follow-up visits (V3 and V4).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In cases of muscle pain, pain during function, TMJ and muscle tenderness, and headache attributed to TMD, a statistically significant difference between the RPB and ST groups was observed only at the final follow-up visit. No significant differences between the 2 groups were found for MMO.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The reduction in myalgia following treatment suggests that both RPB exercises and ST are equally effective. However, considering the cost and duration of myalgia therapy, comprehensive care incorporating relaxation techniques may be a preferable first-line approach rather than ST alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"311-322"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147688742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of the occlusal stabilization splint in the treatment of myogenous temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review.","authors":"Yousra Boulatar, Hajar Ben Mohimd, Fatima Zaoui, Anissa Abdelkoui, Hicham Benyahia","doi":"10.17219/dmp/194530","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/194530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of stabilization splints in the treatment of myogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMD).The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search was conducted in 2 databases - MEDLINE via PubMed and the Web of Science. The final search was conducted in May 2022.Ten randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. The total sample size was 539 participants, with a mean follow-up of 6 months. Four outcomes were assessed: pain reduction (10 studies); mouth opening improvement (5 studies); headache reduction (2 studies); and quality-of-life (QoL) improvement (4 studies). Most trials reported improvement in TMD symptoms in comparison with the baseline measures. Nevertheless, the overall quality of evidence was low due to moderate to high risk of bias and the small sample sizes.Given the limitations of the systematic review, occlusal stabilization splint therapy appeared to be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of TMD. However, further large-scale prospective studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"509-516"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148014025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) on the regeneration of salivary glands in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model.","authors":"Amira Ahmed Moawad, Sally Hassan Abo Baker","doi":"10.17219/dmp/186946","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/186946","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex condition, with salivary gland malfunction being one of its complications. The management of the disease presents numerous side effects. Consequently, botanical products have been proposed as a promising alternative for the development of safe and effective treatments.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a potential therapeutic tool for alleviating the deleterious effects of DM in albino rats.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The study sample comprised 66 male albino rats. Group I (n = 6) received a saline solution, group II (n = 30) was subjected to diabetic induction via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), and group III (n = 30) was subjected to diabetic induction and treated with 250 mg/ kg/day of powdered chia seeds for 2 weeks prior to the administration of STZ and until the end of the study. The rats were euthanized 45 days after the induction of DM. The parotid and mandibular mucosal glands were extracted and prepared for histological (hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)), immunohistochemical (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) and comet assay analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Marked degenerative changes were evident in the acini and duct architecture of the parotid and mandibular mucosal glands in group II. These findings were confirmed histologically, immunohistochemically and via the comet assay. In contrast, in group III, treatment with chia seeds resulted in the regeneration of salivary gland tissues.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Chia seeds demonstrated antioxidant properties against DM-induced salivary gland dysfunction in albino rats.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"441-454"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147970921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Altered circadian patterns of diurnal blood pressure in clinical phenotypes of bruxism: A pilot study on autonomic imbalance in healthy young adults.","authors":"Miguel Meira E Cruz, Sílvia Pereira, Maria João Rodrigues, David Gozal","doi":"10.17219/dmp/211745","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/211745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bruxism, a repetitive masticatory muscle activity, is increasingly recognized as a behavioral marker with possible systemic implications. While its association with autonomic dysregulation has been proposed, the relationship between bruxism phenotypes and variations in circadian blood pressure (BP) in healthy individuals remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to explore whether distinct behavioral bruxism phenotypes (sleep vs. awake, morning vs. evening) are associated with altered diurnal BP profiles, particularly postprandial patterns, in healthy normotensive young adults.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A total of 59 healthy young adults (mean age: 23.4 ±3.8 years) with probable bruxism were classified into 4 phenotypes: sleep bruxism (SB); morning awake bruxism (AB); evening AB; and undefined. The participants underwent 3 standardized BP measurements throughout the day (morning, postprandial and afternoon), alongside assessment using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Bruxism classification was based on self-reports, clinical signs and timing patterns. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests. Confidence intervals and effect sizes were calculated, and boxplots were used to illustrate group differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants with SB exhibited a significantly steeper postprandial diastolic BP decline compared to other phenotypes (p = 0.045), deviating from the expected parasympathetic post-meal dip observed in healthy profiles. Sleep bruxism was also associated with poorer sleep quality (higher PSQI scores), greater insomnia severity (higher ISI scores) and a lack of significant increase in daytime sleepiness. Individuals with morning AB showed a biphasic BP pattern suggestive of autonomic lability, while participants with evening AB exhibited a blunted profile. Questionnaire data reinforced a chronic hyperarousal profile among SB participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Behavioral bruxism phenotypes, particularly SB, may reflect underlying autonomic imbalance and altered circadian BP modulation, even in clinically normotensive individuals. These findings support the hypothesis that bruxism may serve as a behavioral marker of subclinical cardiovascular risk. Further studies incorporating objective autonomic markers and longitudinal data are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"533-539"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147986896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Seham Alyafei, Betsy Joseph, Aishah Adam, Sukumaran Anil","doi":"10.17219/dmp/191308","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/191308","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in middle-aged populations.The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of major electronic databases was conducted for studies published between 2013 and 2023. In addition, a manual search was performed to identify relevant studies examining an association between these 2 conditions. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias for the included cross-sectional and case-control studies. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis, and a meta-analysis of eligible studies was conducted.A total of 11 articles were included in the systematic review, with 9 incorporated into the meta-analysis. A statistically significant positive association was observed between periodontitis and RA for clinical attachment loss (CAL). The GRADE assessment indicated low to moderate level of certainty across studies, indicating strong evidence regarding clinical parameters. The meta-analysis showed a high overall odds ratio (OR) (OR = 11.37; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 4.22-30.61; p < 0.01), suggesting that patients with RA have a significantly higher risk of developing periodontitis. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis identified a positive association between periodontitis and RA. However, the GRADE analysis highlights the need for clinical and longitudinal studies with extended follow-up periods to further clarify this relationship and account for potential confounding factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"483-496"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147971448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do intracanal medicaments affect the bond of bioceramic sealer (BioRoot™ RCS) to radicular dentin?","authors":"Shreeya Bhardwaj, Darshana Devadiga, Mahalaxmi Patil, Aditya Shriharsha Ingle, Nainy Jain, Astrid Ana Gomes","doi":"10.17219/dmp/166573","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/166573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bioceramic sealers have gained popularity due to their distinctive bioactivity and superior sealing ability in comparison with other contemporary sealers. Therefore, it is important to understand their interactions with agents used in root canal therapy, such as intracanal medicaments (ICMs), and the impact of these interactions on the bonding ability of the sealer to radicular dentin.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The present in vitro study assessed the influence of 3 ICMs - calcium hydroxide (CH), a modified triple antibiotic paste (mTAP) and propolis (Pr)-based agents - on the bonding ability of bioceramic sealer (BioRoot™ RCS) to radicular dentin.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Eighteen single-rooted permanent teeth were decoronated, biomechanically prepared, and allocated into 3 groups for intracanal treatment with CH, mTAP and Pr, respectively. Sonic-activated irrigation was used for the removal of ICMs, followed by single-cone gutta-percha (GP) obturation with the BioRoot RCS sealer. Root sections were then sliced at the apical, middle and cervical levels to evaluate the bond strength at the sealer-radicular dentin interface.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At the cervical root level, the CH group demonstrated significantly higher bond strength, followed by mTAP and Pr. In contrast, in the middle and apical thirds, Pr exhibited higher bond strength than both CH and mTAP.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>All the tested ICMs affected the bonding ability of the bioceramic sealer (BioRoot RCS) to radicular dentin; however, the least adverse influence was observed with CH in the cervical third and with Pr in the middle and apical thirds.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"373-383"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147970815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Amplification and overexpression of a novel m6A reader FXR1 are associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.","authors":"Jeevitha Manicka Vasagam, Balachander Kannan, Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan, Paramasivam Arumugam","doi":"10.17219/dmp/185583","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/185583","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fragile X-related protein 1 (FXR1), an RNA-binding protein (RBP) implicated in various cancers, has emerged as a potential contributor to the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to comprehensively analyze FXR1 genetic alterations, mRNA expression, protein levels, and immune infiltration in HNSCC, in order to elucidate its molecular role and therapeutic potential.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC cohort was analyzed. Copy number variation (CNV) was assessed using cBioPortal, FXR1 expression profiling was performed using the University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examination was conducted using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). The TIMER 2.0 and TISIDB databases were employed for immune infiltration analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Genetic alterations in FXR1, including DNA amplification, were observed in 22% of HNSCC patients and were significantly correlated with elevated mRNA expression. FXR1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in HNSCC tumors, and this upregulation was associated with poor prognosis. The expression of FXR1 was also correlated with clinical features, including disease stage, grade, metastasis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a negative correlation between FXR1 mRNA expression and CD8+ T cells, suggesting a potential role in immune modulation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FXR1 may serve as a potential biomarker and immune regulator in HNSCC, with genetic alterations influencing its mRNA expression. This study sheds light on the multifaceted role of FXR1 in the progression of HNSCC, and suggests potential avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. Further research, including functional experiments and large-scale cohort analyses, is warranted to validate and translate these findings into clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":" ","pages":"397-405"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147765146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Osteonecrosis of the jaw: A 5-year analysis of surgical outcomes and risk factors for complications.","authors":"Aleksy Zbigniew Nowak, Aleksandra Rudzka, Łukasz Piotr Słowik, Maciej Grzegorz Okła, Marek Andrzej Jaxa-Kwiatkowski, Krzysztof Osmola, Marzena Wyganowska","doi":"10.17219/dmp/201375","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/201375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Radiation-induced and drug-induced bone necrosis present significant challenges for maxillofacial surgery departments and dental clinics. While the incidence of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) has decreased, the number of cases of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has markedly increased. This trend is associated with higher life expectancy and more frequent use of medications linked to MRONJ. To date, no uniform, scientifically validated treatment standards have been established for these conditions.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with ORN and MRONJ, as well as to identify risk factors for complications, with particular emphasis on differences in clinical presentation and management.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of medical records over a five-year period was conducted, including the charts of patients diagnosed with MRONJ and ORN who were hospitalized at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland, and subsequently followed up in the outpatient setting. Selected parameters included C-reactive protein (CRP), smoking status, type of necrosis, sex, and hospitalization time.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Differences in patient characteristics, including age, sex, smoking status, and clinical presentation, were observed between the groups. Patients with MRONJ were, on average, 5 years older than those with ORN and exhibited a significantly higher concentration of CRP, indicating a more pronounced inflammatory response. Smoking was identified as a weak but notable predictor of the need for mandibular resection. Additionally, elevated concentrations of CRP were associated with longer hospitalization and a higher incidence of complications, potentially contributing to prolonged hospital stays and an increased risk of adverse outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings highlight distinct clinical courses for MRONJ and ORN, underscoring the need for differentiated treatment strategies. Given the lack of standardized treatment protocols, the observed variations in clinical outcomes suggest the necessity for more targeted therapeutic approaches. Further research is essential to establish effective treatment protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"285-294"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In vivo evaluation of alveolar ridge bone formation resulting from the administration of a natural propolis extract combined with a bovine xenograft.","authors":"Utari Kresnoadi, Jennifer Widjaja, Wibi Riawan","doi":"10.17219/dmp/171268","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/171268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Natural propolis is widely known to be an antibacterial agent with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with a bovine xenograft, it is expected to promote bone formation in the alveolar ridge, following tooth extraction.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of administering a propolis extract combined with a bovine xenograft on alveolar bone formation.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The lower incisor teeth of Cavia cobaya were extracted and the resulting alveolar sockets were filled with different materials based on the group assignment: polyethylene glycol (PEG); a propolis extract (PE); a bovine xenograft (BX); and the propolis extract-bovine xenograft composite (PE-BX). The alveolar sockets were examined after 7 and 30 days by means of immunohistochemical staining for the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), tolllike receptor 2 (TLR2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and type 1 collagen. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's test were used to compare the groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The PE-BX group demonstrated promising results, with increased type I collagen levels and reduced expression of inflammatory markers (NF-κB, TLR2 and TNF-α) on days 7 and 30 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in comparison with the BX group, this material demonstrated significantly higher type I collagen expression on days 7 and 30 (p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The composite of a natural propolis extract and a bovine xenograft enhances type I collagen expression and reduces the expression of inflammatory markers. Further research is warranted to explore its potential for alveolar bone preservation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":" ","pages":"365-371"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147497811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salivary biomarkers for the prediction of Grade B and Grade C periodontitis: A case-control study.","authors":"Mina A Abdulkareem, Raghad F Abbas","doi":"10.17219/dmp/202207","DOIUrl":"10.17219/dmp/202207","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The expression of the Wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling pathway molecules has been reported to be aberrant in periodontitis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This case-control study aimed to determine the salivary concentrations of sclerostin (SOST), Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and WNT family member 5a (WNT5a) and their ability to distinguish systemically healthy patients with periodontitis - across different progression rates - from periodontally healthy controls.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A total of 90 individuals participated in this study (30 healthy controls, 30 Grade B periodontitis patients, and 30 Grade C periodontitis patients). Salivary samples were collected using the unstimulated saliva collection method. Subsequently, clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to determine the salivary levels of SOST, DKK1 and WNT5a.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The salivary levels of SOST and DKK1 were significantly higher in Grade B periodontitis patients (14.85 ±3.28 ng/mL and 3.65 ±1.11 ng/mL, respectively) and Grade C periodontitis patients (7.45 ±3.84 ng/mL and 1.68 ±0.46 ng/mL, respectively) than in healthy controls (4.37 ±0.97 ng/mL and 0.88 ±0.15 ng/mL, respectively). Notably, their levels were significantly higher in periodontitis Grade B than in Grade C (p < 0.0001). The WNT5a salivary levels were also considerably higher in Grade B periodontitis patients (6.58 ±3.28 ng/mL) and Grade C periodontitis patients (13.41 ±1.73 ng/mL) than in healthy controls (2.03 ±0.31 ng/ml). Unlike SOST and DKK1, WNT5a showed significantly higher levels in periodontitis Grade C as compared to Grade B (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that SOST, DKK1 and WNT5a showed significant diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing periodontitis from periodontal health with the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.96, 0.97 and 0.99, respectively, and also in distinguishing periodontitis Grade B from periodontitis Grade C with AUC of 0.94, 0.97 and 0.92, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The salivary levels of SOST, DKK1 and WNT5a demonstrated high diagnostic value in distinguishing generalized periodontitis from periodontal health. The WNT5a levels increased with disease progression, effectively differentiating Grades B and C. Similarly, SOST and DKK1 also distinguished these grades, with higher levels in Grade B than in Grade C.</p>","PeriodicalId":11191,"journal":{"name":"Dental and Medical Problems","volume":"63 2","pages":"335-347"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147873643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}