Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Temporomandibular Disorders

Background: The occurrence of many diseases has been associated with oxidative stress and disruption of antioxidant mechanisms. Temporomandibular Joint(TMJ) Disorders are also thought to develop with the onset of the destructive process in the tissues as a result of this balance being disrupted. Purpose: This study was designed to compare salivary and serum oxidative stress and inflammation markers of individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and healthy subjects. Study design, setting, and sample: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. 27 TMD patients diagnosed with disc displacement (DD) according to RDC/TMD and 17 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Prior to any treatment, serum and saliva samples were taken from the patients and centrifuged, and stored at -80°C until analyzed. All samples were examined for IL-6, MDA and 8-OHdG concentrations. Predictor variable: Diagnosis of disc displacement (RDC/TMD) Main outcome variables: Levels of 8-OHdG, IL-6 and MDA Covariates: Age and gender