Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41747365›Full record

SynthesisInternational dental journal2026

Inflammatory Biomarkers in Irreversible Pulpitis and Pulp Necrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rahman Wahyudi, Panuroot Aguilar, Chidsanu Changsiripun, Attawood Lertpimonchai, Lakshman Samaranayake, Zar Chi Soe, Thanaphum Osathanon, Vincent Everts, Chalida Nakalekha Limjeerajarus, Nuttapol Limjeerajarus

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in International dental journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Rahman WahyudiFaculty of Dentistry, Graduate Program in Oral Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Panuroot AguilarDivision of Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chidsanu ChangsiripunDepartment of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Attawood LertpimonchaiDepartment of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Periodontal Disease and Dental Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Lakshman SamaranayakeCenter of Excellence in Periodontal Disease and Dental Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Global Research Cell, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, India.
Zar Chi SoeFaculty of Dentistry, Graduate Program in Oral Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Thanaphum OsathanonDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Dental Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Vincent EvertsDepartment of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Office of Academic Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chalida Nakalekha LimjeerajarusCenter of Excellence in Precision Medicine and Digital Health, and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Regenerative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: Chalida.N@chula.ac.th.
Nuttapol LimjeerajarusOffice of Academic Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

statement of problemAccurate differentiation between irreversible pulpitis (IP) and pulp necrosis (PN) is crucial for clinical treatment planning, yet meta-analyses comparing their inflammatory biomarkers are lacking. Isolated findings limit the identification of consistent biomarker patterns, hindering diagnostic accuracy and stage-specific treatment development.

objectivesThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare expression levels of inflammatory biomarkers in permanent teeth diagnosed with IP or PN vs healthy pulp, to elucidate disease-specific molecular profiles.

methodsElectronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for studies published from inception to 2024. Eligible studies included human permanent teeth with IP or PN and reported quantitative protein-based biomarker levels. Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, with 26 included in the meta-analysis. Data were pooled using random-effects models, and standardized mean differences were calculated.

resultsSymptomatic IP (SIP) showed significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, Substance P, CGRP, and catalase compared to healthy pulp. Asymptomatic IP (AIP) also exhibited significantly increased TNF-α despite the absence of clinical symptoms. No significant difference in TNF-α was observed between SIP and AIP. High heterogeneity was observed due to variation in sample types, analytical methods, and diagnostic criteria. Although a meta-analysis for PN was not feasible, descriptive analysis revealed consistently elevated TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β levels in pulp necrosis.

conclusionBoth SIP and AIP exhibit pro-inflammatory profiles, with TNF-α elevated regardless of symptoms. Molecular biomarkers may better reflect pulp status than clinical signs. SIGNIFICANCE: Elevated TNF-α levels observed in SIP and AIP indicate the presence of underlying inflammatory activity even in the absence of clinical symptoms. This finding highlights its potential value in helping to determine the appropriate window for vital pulp therapy.

Indexed as

BiomarkersDental Pulp NecrosisPulpitisDental PulpHumansInflammationTumor Necrosis Factor-alphaBiomarkersTumor Necrosis Factor-alphaDental pulp inflammationInflammatory biomarkersIrreversible pulpitisMeta-analysisPulp necrosis

Identifiers

PMID41747365
PMCPMC12955635

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.