Salivary E-cadherin, Calprotectin, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to determine the salivary levels of E-cadherin, Calprotectin, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) and to compare them with those of healthy controls. The main questions it aims to answer are: Are the salivary levels of E-cadherin, Calprotectin, and MMP-9 significantly different in patients with minor RAS compared to healthy controls? Can these salivary proteins serve as biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of minor RAS? Researchers will compare patients with minor RAS and healthy individuals to determine whether differences in salivary E-cadherin, Calprotectin, and MMP-9 levels are associated with the presence of disease. Participants will: Provide unstimulated saliva samples using a saliva swab Undergo clinical evaluation for periodontal status (Community Periodontal Index - CPI) and caries experience (DMFT index) Collected saliva samples will be stored at -80°C until analysis. The concentrations of the investigated proteins will be measured using ELISA kits, and total protein levels will be determined using a colorimetric protein assay. The relationships among the salivary concentrations of the investigated proteins, as well as their associations with demographic variables such as age and sex, will be analyzed.