Salivary biomarkers as potential diagnostic tool for temporomandibular disorders: A comprehensive review

ABSTRACT

Objective

To review the current scientific literature concerning the implication of biomarkers collected from saliva in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science to gather articles published between 2012 and 2021. Based on the eligibility criteria, articles were reviewed in full and precise data was extracted.

Results

Nine clinical studies were selected. Participants with TMD were all diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Specific biomarkers were examined from saliva samples. Results related to TMD showed a significant range of variability.

Conclusion

Specific salivary biomarkers have been investigated, but current efforts are aiming to search for more possible biomarkers from saliva samples as a safe procedure. Future research needs to consider the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers as diagnostic tools for TMD.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular joint
• temporomandibular disorders
• diagnosis
• biomarkers
• saliva

Highlights

• The current review indicates that the assessment and diagnosis of TMD could be carried out by a salivary biomarkers test.

• To gain the most accurate understanding of the accuracy and specificity of the salivary test, consensus on which biomarkers to evaluate needs to be reached.

• MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-8, IL-1ß, sAA, cortisol, 8-OHdG, MDA, isovalerate and acetoin are the main biomarkers to look for in saliva.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.