Assessment of Salivary Biomarker Levels in Individuals With Various Periodontal Diseases

The aim of this study is to compare the salivary levels of HIF-2 alpha, MMP-9, and TRAP-5b among healthy individuals, patients with gingivitis, and patients with periodontitis; to examine the relationship between these levels and clinical parameters; and to determine their effectiveness in distinguishing periodontal disease from a healthy condition. It will be evaluated whether these biochemical mediators can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in the diagnosis of periodontal disease. Periodontal health is defined as the absence of signs of inflammation. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition characterized by the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. In this destruction, the host immune response to bacterial products and various inflammatory mediators (cytokines, MMPs) play a role. MMP-9 plays a significant role in the progression of inflammation and tissue damage. HIF-2 alpha is a factor that regulates bone formation and resorption and is activated in hypoxic or inflammatory environments. TRAP-5b is a specific marker of osteoclast activity and bone resorption. In the literature, there is no study that evaluates these three biomarkers together in saliva samples in the context of periodontal disease. This study aims to investigate the changes in these salivary biomarkers in the presence of periodontal disease, their diagnostic potential, and their relationship with clinical parameters. The findings may also provide insights for future treatments targeting these cytokine pathways.