The Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and Alpha-Amylase) in Saliva on Post-Odontectomy Swelling: A Rapid Review.

Background: Odontectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure in the oral cavity and has several possible postoperative complications, including swelling. In addition to clinical examination, post-odontectomy swelling can be identified by utilizing saliva samples to analyze inflammatory biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of inflammatory biomarkers IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and alpha-amylase in saliva on post-odontectomy swelling.

Methods: A rapid literature review of clinical studies was conducted using the PRISMA framework. Article searches were performed on six databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost) using boolean operators and hand searching on Google Scholar.

Results: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using the JBI critical appraisal tools. Seven articles analyzed alpha-amylase, two articles analyzed TNF-α, and one article analyzed IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α simultaneously to see the swelling or inflammation that occurs post-odontectomy. These four biomarkers were examined before, immediately after, or up to several days after the procedure. Significant elevations in biomarkers including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, and alpha-amylase are seen in the majority of articles. Post-procedure alpha-amylase elevation was observed along with swelling, pain, and fear associated with the odontectomy procedure. Increases in IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were observed due to tissue manipulation during the procedure that initiated the production of these proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and alpha-amylase in saliva play a role in post-odontectomy swelling, as their levels increase the intensity of swelling or inflammation also tends to rise. These biomarkers contribute to swelling through mechanisms involving immune cell recruitment, increased vascular permeability, and acute responses to pain and stress. Although it is constrained by the lack of relevant research, this review provides recommendations for further research into the most pertinent salivary biomarkers for identifying post-odontectomy swelling.