Specialized proresolving mediators crucial for treating pulpal-periapical diseases: Study

Proresolving lipid mediators are specialized molecules (SPMs) involved in the active resolution of the inflammatory process by regulating tissue homeostasis.

A group of researchers conducted a study to investigate the scientific literature to assess the potential of SPMs as an adjunct in the treatment of endodontic infection.

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from their inception until February 2020 (PROSPERO CRD42020164743). Supplemental research was performed by screening the references of the relevant studies eligible for inclusion. A quality assessment of animal studies was performed using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines, whereas the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

The results of the study are as follows:

· A total of 3295 records were screened, and 8 articles meeting the criteria were included for this qualitative review.

· The eligible studies showed a high to moderate overall quality and a low to moderate risk of bias.

· Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) positively affected the development of pulpitis and apical periodontitis in experimental animal models.

· The early treatment of pulpitis with the topical application of Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) was beneficial to control inflammation within 24 hours from contamination.

· In addition, Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) delivered within the root canals after disinfection were found effective in promoting periapical healing.

Thus, the researchers concluded that Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) may play a role in the inception and treatment of pulpal-periapical diseases, and they should be considered for future research for developing new therapeutics as an adjunct to endodontic treatment.

Reference:

Proresolving Mediators in Endodontics: A Systematic Review by Cotti E et. al published in the Journal of Endodontics.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2021.01.008