The Impact of Stress on the Volume of Periapical Lesions and Bone Markers in Patients with Primary Endodontic Infection

• Grant number: 24/17886-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Marcia Carneiro Valera Garakis
• Grantee: Iasmin Moreira Melo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Primary endodontic infection (PEI) induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and affects the balance of periapical bone resorption. In this sense, endodontic treatment aims to combat this infection and promote tissue regeneration. Furthermore, chronic stress impacts the repair of periapical lesions (PL), having a direct relationship with the patient's systemic health. Thus, this study proposes to evaluate the influence of stress on PL, analyzing salivary biomarkers and correlating them with the tomographic volume of the PL. Thirty single-rooted teeth with primary endodontic infection will undergo Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and will undergo endodontic treatment. After coronal access, the canals will be prepared with reciprocating instruments and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl. After biomechanical preparation, samples of periapical fluid (SF) will be collected to quantify bone metabolism markers RANKL and OPG. For the analysis of stress markers cortisol, beta-endorphin, and ACTH, saliva samples will be collected at three daily moments during the endodontic treatment. The collected saliva will be evaluated by immunoassays and fluorescence. The results will be statistically analyzed using parametric or non-parametric tests, comparing biomarker values with the volumetry of the periapical lesion.