AQP3 as a potential biomarker for caries

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dental caries and periodontitis are among the most common dental diseases worldwide and represent a major public health concern due to their high prevalence and age-dependent occurrence. Identifying molecular factors in saliva involved in their development may help improve prevention strategies. Aquaporins (AQPs), particularly aquaporin (AQP3)—a channel for water, glycerol and small molecules—have recently attracted scientific interest. This study aimed to investigate the association between salivary AQP3 expression and dental caries and periodontal parameters, evaluating its potential as a biomarker for oral health and disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OKAPI study, a prospective observational study, enrolled 169 patients (middle Age: 45.54 ± 13.57; 37 % male) from a dental practice. Clinical parameters such as the periodontal screening index and Decayed, missing, filled teeth indices, along with demographic data, were recorded. Saliva samples were collected, RNA was isolated, and cDNA was synthesized. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed using primers specific for AQP3 and β-actin (ACTB). Results: Among the participants, 42% had severe caries and 12.4% had periodontitis. AQP3 mRNA level was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in patients with severe caries compared to unaffected individuals. An AQP3 level cut-off was calculated after receiver operating characteristic -analysis (area under the curve: 0.605) to distinguish between patients with and without severe caries. Subjects with low AQP3 levels had a higher caries prevalence. Logistic regression identified the AQP3 cut-off as a relevant, though age-dependent, risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced salivary AQP3 mRNA level was observed in individuals with severe caries and may indicate a potential association, suggesting that AQP3 could serve as a candidate biomarker for identifying individuals at increased risk.

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