Identifying Potential Biomarkers Of Pulp Inflammation In Dentinal Fluid

To identify potential biomarkers in dentinal fluid in teeth with reversible and irreversible pulpitis using mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology. Dentinal fluid samples were collected from fifty vital third molars, originating 1 control and 2 experimental groups: G1 (control) – clinically healthy pulp; G2 – reversible pulpitis; G3 - irreversible pulpitis. Dentinal fluid was collected during a period of 5 minutes from dentin cavities by using cellulose membrane Sartorius 1288. As soon as the samples were obtained, the teeth were extracted and serial histological sections were prepared for histomorphological study in order to confirm clinical diagnosis. Histologically approved dentinal fluid samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Identified proteins were rank-ordered in accordance to NSAF (Normalized Spectrum Abundacy Factor) value prominence in the groups. Two hundred and six proteins were detected in dentinal fluid samples from all groups; 71 proteins were contained only in dentinal fluid from healthy specimens, increased number of proteins up to 75 were observed in dentinal fluid from teeth with reversible pulpitis. The most enriched proteome was represented by 173 proteins in the group of irreversible pulpitis. Dentinal fluid samples from teeth with reversible pulpitis had significantly higher Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3) levels than those from clinically healthy counterparts and irreversible pulpitis teeth (p>0.05). There was a high correlation between Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in dentinal fluid from teeth with reversible and irreversible pulp inflammation. Biomarker of pulp inflammation Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin was identified be a candidate for non-invasive molecular diagnostics of the dental pulp.