To compare the variations in the levels of protective salivary proteins in dental caries with type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

1. Abstract: newline1.1. Research focus: newlineDental caries and diabetic mellitus (DM) are the most common diseases that have been recognized and explored globally by health professionals. Previous studies have clearly stated that diabetes one of the major risk factors for oral health problems such as dental caries, with poor glycemic control would increase the risk of dental caries approximately by 3 folds. In recent studies, researchers have attempted to explore the intricate relationship between oral health and DM. The present study attempts to understand the association between diabetic mellitus and oral health by exploring salivary and serum protein biomarkers levels among healthy individuals, patients with caries, Type 2 DM patients without caries, and Type 2 DM patients with active caries. newline1.2. Research Methods: newlineThe present study is an observational-based study, where a total of 280 patients were included in the studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were divided into 4 groups: healthy individuals (Group 1), patients with caries (group 2), Type 2 DM patients without caries ( group 3), and Type 2 DM patients with active caries (group 4). Further, the salivary biomarkers such as calcium, electrolytes, mucin, proline-rich proteins, alkaline phosphates (ALP), salivary Interleukin -6 (IL-6), etc., and the serum biomarkers such as Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total proteins, ALP, etc., and inflammatory markers such as IL-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-and#945;) etc., were evaluated to determine the association between diabetes and dental caries. newline1.3. Results: newlineThe results of the present study show a significant decrease in salivary pH in the patient group with T2DM with active dental caries, indicating a suitable environment for the formation of dental caries. Elevated levels of total proteins and globulin and a decrease in the levels of albumin in diabetic groups with caries and without suggesting inflammatory response, could be due to poor glycemic levels, which is supported by elevated serum glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels. Further altered calcium and ALP levels, where the lower levels of these parameters suggest improper bone health status. Furthermore, inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-and#945; showed elevated levels in T2DM with active caries suggesting a systemic inflammatory state associated with diabetes. newline1.4. Conclusion: newlineThe present study highlights the complex link between oral and systemic health in the context of T2DM. The present finding suggests a significant change in individuals with a change in systemic and oral parameters; these changes were more evident in individuals with type 2 DM with active dental caries. The present study emphasizes an integrated approach to managing diabetes mellitus and oral problems by assessing the biomarkers of salivary and serum. Further, exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms in the future would help design effective therapeutic and preventive strategies due to the demineralization of enamel caused by oral bacterial flora. newline newline