Study of Salivary Mitofusin-1 Protein in Gum Disease Links to Severity, Smoking, and Treatment Effects

What this Trial Is About

Periodontitis, a common gum disease worldwide, is being studied to explore the role of a protein called Mitofusin-1 Mfn1 found in saliva. Researchers aim to understand how Mfn1 relates to the severity of periodontitis, including in smokers, and how it changes with treatment. The study includes people with healthy gums, mild to severe periodontitis, and smokers with severe periodontitis to assess the potential of Mfn1 as a diagnostic and monitoring marker. Participants are divided into four groups based on gum health and smoking status healthy individuals, those with mild periodontitis, severe periodontitis, and severe periodontitis with regular smoking. All participants provide saliva samples and undergo clinical gum exams. People with periodontitis receive standard non-surgical periodontal therapy, which removes plaque and smooths tooth roots to help gum healing. The study measures Mfn1 in saliva at the start and three months after treatment. During the study, participants provide saliva samples and receive thorough gum examinations to track disease severity and response to treatment. Researchers also analyze other saliva components related to gum health. The main outcome is the Mfn1 protein level at the beginning, with follow-up measurements after therapy. The study lasts at least three months post-treatment, with ongoing assessments of gum health and saliva markers to understand Mfn1s role in periodontitis diagnosis and follow-up.

Salivary Mitofusin-1 Levels in Periodontitis: Associations With Disease Severity, Smoking, and Treatment Response