A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF VARYING LEVELS OF IGA, FIBRONECTIN IN SALIVA AS A BIOMARKER FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF DENTAL CARIES IN PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS: AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH STUDY

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess varying levels of IGA and fibronectin in saliva as a biomarker for the identification of dental caries in pediatric populations Materials and Methods: This study examines a cohort of 120 pediatric patients aged 6 to 14, evenly split by gender, who present with various dental issues, primarily dark cavities or mild food impaction, but without severe pain. Participants are divided into two groups: the Caries-Free Group (Group 1) consists of 60 patients with a DMFT/dmft score of zero, indicating no dental caries, while the High Caries Risk Group (Group 2) includes 60 patients with a score of 5 or higher, indicating significant dental problems. A certified dentist performs clinical examinations using standardised tools, and saliva samples are collected after a dietary restriction to minimise variability. The study uses the DMFT/dmft index and Plaque Index to assess dental health and oral hygiene, respectively. Saliva samples are analysed for human secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and fibronectin using ELISA kits. Data analysis employs advanced statistical methods to identify patterns and significance. Statistical Analysis and Results: The Caries-Free Group (Group 1) included patients with a DMFT score of zero, indicating excellent oral health, while the High Caries Risk Group (Group 2) had scores of 5 or higher, reflecting significant dental issues. The study aimed to compare levels of two salivary biomarkers: Salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Fibronectin, both vital for immune response and tissue repair. Results showed that the Control Group had a mean Salivary IgA concentration of 5.58 ± 1.72 μg/ml, while the Study Group had a significantly lower concentration of 2.91 ± 1.61 μg/ml, with a statistically significant t-value of 8.779 and a p value less than 0.001. For Fibronectin, the Control Group averaged 84.12 ± 26.95 U/ml compared to 67.85 ± 25.40 U/ml in the Study Group, also statistically significant (t-value of 3.403 and p-value of 0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that Salivary IgA, crucial for mucosal immunity, decreased markedly, along with lower Fibronectin levels. This decline may suggest a weakened oral defence or increased stress in children with dental caries compared to healthy controls.