Investigation of osteopontin and CD44 levels in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Abstract Background The information about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and progression of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) is limited and the etiology of these disorders is still controversial. Biochemical analyzes are an important tool in understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases. Objective The main aim of the present study was to investigate the role of serum osteopontin (OPN) and CD44 levels in the etiopathology and to determine whether they could be used as biochemical markers in the diagnosis of TMDs. Methods Total number of 54 patients who diagnosed with TMD and total of 34 healthy controls with no joint problems were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained from all patients and then serum samples were analyzed by OPN and CD44 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results According to the control group, there was a significant decrease in OPN levels in patients with TMDs. However, no statistically significant difference was found in CD44 levels among the groups. Conclusions Findings obtained in the present study suggest that OPN may play a key role in the pathogenesis of TMDs as a novel biomarker in the diagnosis of these diseases.