Clinical Research Directory

Biomarkers for Differentiating Reversible and Irreversible Pulpitis

This observational study aims to evaluate the role of inflammatory, oxidative stress, neurogenic, and immunological biomarkers obtained from pulpal blood in the differential diagnosis of normal pulp, reversible pulpitis, and irreversible pulpitis. A total of 75 teeth from systemically healthy individuals aged 12-35 years will be included and classified into three groups: normal pulp, reversible pulpitis, and irreversible pulpitis, based on clinical examination, radiographic findings, and pulp sensibility tests. No additional treatment procedures will be performed for research purposes. All dental procedures will be carried out according to routine clinical protocols. During routine treatment, after pulp exposure, approximately 50 μL of pulpal blood that would otherwise be discarded as medical waste will be collected using a micropipette. Samples will be stored and analyzed using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) to determine the levels of inflammatory, neurogenic, immunological, and oxidative stress biomarkers. The results will be compared among the three groups to identify biomarkers that may improve the accuracy of pulpitis diagnosis and support clinical decision-making.

Comparison of Aquaporin -4, -5, -9 and IL-8 Levels in GCF, Dentin Fluid and Pulp Samples

This study aimed to compare the changes in AQP -4, -5, -9, and IL-8 levels in pulp tissue, GCF, and dentin fluid samples routinely obtained during the treatment of healthy and symptomatic teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and investigate whether there is a correlation between them. A total of 70 patients aged 18-64 years with healthy (Group 1) and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (Group 2) diagnosed at Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics who will undergo routine root canal treatment will be included in the study, with a minimum of 35 participants for each group. Before starting treatment, DOS samples will be taken from healthy, symptomatic, irreversible pulpitis-diagnosed teeth and teeth contralateral to these teeth. A dentin fluid sample will be taken by holding the membrane on the dentin surface, and the pulp tissue will be removed and transferred to Eppendorf tubes. The treatment process will be completed by applying routine root canal procedures to the teeth. The samples' Aquaporin -4, -5, -9, and IL-8 levels will be analyzed by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).