Evaluation of oxidative stress levels in patients undergoing endodontic treatment- an in vivo study

Original Resesarch

Abstract

Introduction :

Any entity with the aptitude to function independently has one or more unpaired electrons. Free radicals called reactive oxygen species are produced by regular physiological cell processes. Oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules occurs when the formation of reactive oxidative species overwhelms the antioxidant defense of the cells, which can result in a variety of clinical diseases. The destruction of vulnerable lipids and amino acids in proteins at locations has been thought to be the cause of metabolic dysfunction during pathogenesis.

Aim:

To assess the levels of oxidative stress in endodontic therapy patients and to correlate the relationship between malondialdehyde and total antioxidant status in patients before and after endodontic therapy.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients who had been undergoing endodontic treatment and met the inclusion criteria had 2 ml of unstimulated saliva collected prior to surgery. After a month following obturation, post-operative samples were drawn and tested for the plasma's ability to reduce ferric iron and the antioxidant strength of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.

Results:

The total antioxidant status and pre- and post-operative antioxidant levels differed markedly (P value <0.05).

Conclusion:

This study underscores the communication between apical periodontitis and oxidative stress. It is essential to analyse the principles of this parameter to reduce the damage that the tissues may endure due to increased reactive oxygen species. Moreover, through appropriate endodontic treatment, a good oxidative balance can be reestablished, thereby avoiding the danger of having chronic focus, that causes damages with potential generalized consequences.