Salivary Chemerin as an Inflammatory Biomarker Associated with Dental Caries Susceptibility in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has a significant association with oral health problems such as dental caries. Chemerin is an adipokine involved in metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Aim of the study: This study aims to explore the possible significance of salivary chemerin as an inflammatory biomarker linked to dental caries susceptibility in T2DM patients. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional study design to recruit 90 subjects grouped into three groups: Group 1 (Healthy Controls, n=20); Group 2 (T2DM patients with low caries, n=42); and Group 3 (T2DM patients with severe caries, n=28). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters like Body Mass Index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Decay, Missing, Filling Teeth Index (DMFT) were measured. Salivary chemerin levels were determined by the ELISA. Results: Chemerin levels in saliva were found to be markedly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a diagnosis of severe dental caries (5.42 ± 1.10 ng/mL) than in T2DM patients with mild dental caries (3.80 ± 0.95 ng/mL) and normal subjects (1.15 ± 0.40 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Positive relationships have been noted between serum Chemerin concentrations and the degree of HbA1c, along with DMFT score. Furthermore, BMI showed a positive relationship with salivary Chemerin concentrations and dental caries. Conclusion: Salivary chemerin can be used as a reliable marker of inflammation associated with the risk of dental caries development among T2DM patients. The findings indicate that dental cavities emerge due to a combination of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.