The relationship between zinc levels and immunological biomarkers in oral fluid in children affected by dental caries

Abstract

Introduction. Dental caries is one of the most widespread diseases in the human population, and the causes of increased susceptibility to dental caries remain of continuing interest to researchers. Active immunological components of oral fluid significantly influence the evolution of dental caries. The aim of this research is to study the relationship between zinc levels, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and transforming growth factor beta-1 in oral fluid, and the incidence of dental caries in children. Material and methods. In this observational cohort study, 398 children aged between 3 and 15 years were clinically examined. The research group included 132 children with dental caries, and the control group consisted of 266 caries-free children. The Plaque Index (PI) and caries experience indices were evaluated. Caries risk was assessed using the Cariogram software. The levels of zinc, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and transforming growth factor beta-1 in oral fluid were determined using standard EliTeh kits, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The study was conducted in compliance with ethical standards and with written informed consent obtained from the children’s parents. Data were processed automatically using the open-source software RStudio, version 2024.09.1+394. Results. In children from the research group, a significant decrease in the levels of zinc, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and transforming growth factor beta-1 was detected in oral fluid, showing an inverse relationship with caries morbidity indicators. Conclusions. Significantly decreased levels of zinc, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and transforming growth factor beta- 1 in oral fluid of caries-susceptible children may indicate an increased risk of caries. Low levels of zinc, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and transforming growth factor beta-1 in oral fluid may also serve as indicators of rapid progression of dental caries – a fact that should be taken into account when planning individualized preventive measures.