Assessment of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization-Affected First Permanent Molars

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental defect of enamel primarily affecting the permanent first molars and often incisors. The global prevalence of MIH ranges from 2.9% to 44%. Although the precise etiology of MIH remains unclear, it is considered multifactorial, involving interactions between genetic, environmental, and systemic factors during the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods. Environmental toxins such as Bisphenol A (BPA) have also been implicated in its development. Despite the well-documented impact of MIH on enamel and dentin, little is known about the inflammatory changes in the pulp tissue of these teeth. This controlled clinical study aims to assess the levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pulp tissues of first permanent molars affected by MIH and compare them with those in non-MIH teeth. The null hypothesis is that there is no statistically significant difference in the levels of these cytokines between MIH-affected and non-affected pulp tissues. The findings are expected to contribute valuable insights into the pathophysiology of MIH-related pulpal involvement and support the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Pulpal blood samples were obtained from 85 first permanent molars of systemically healthy children aged 8 to 13 who underwent pulp therapy. Based on the presence or absence of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), teeth were assigned to either the MIH group or the control group. To evaluate the dental status and detect possible signs of pulpitis, the MIH-TNI index, Schiff sensitivity scale, Periapical Index (PAI), cold test responses, and other clinical parameters were recorded.