Evaluation of levels of salivary alpha-amylase stress biomarker in symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients: A clinico-biochemical study

Abstract

Introduction: Since pulpal pain causes distress to patients, therefore, evaluation of salivary alpha amylase (SAA) which is a stress biomarker in such cases helps evaluate the degree of stress; therefore, the present study aims to estimate SAA levels as stress biomarkers in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods: Forty-five individuals were included in the study and obtained informed written consent. Patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected based on history and clinical and radiographic examination, and participants were further separated into three groups (n = 15) such as Group 1: healthy individuals with no history of pulpal pain, Group 2: patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, and Group 3: patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using the spit method, and SAA levels were estimated after centrifugation of saliva samples using a colorimetric method known as the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. The intensity of color change was measured using a spectrophotometer at 540 nm for estimating SAA levels. The collected data were later subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Group 2 showed the highest values followed by Group 3 and least in Group 1. Multiple comparisons between the groups using post hoc Tukey’s test showed a significant difference between all the groups. Conclusion: A direct correlation was found between SAA levels and the severity of pulpal diseases indicating the highest stress in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis compared to asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis and least in individuals with no pulp disease.