Gingivitis diagnostic methods, uses and kits

Abstract

Disclosed is an in vitro method for assessing whether a human patient has gingivitis. The method is based on the insight to determine biomarker proteins. Accordingly, in a sample of saliva a patient suffering from gingivitis, the concentrations are measured of the certain protein combinations. One such combination is Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (A1AGP) and S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), and at least one of Hemoglobin subunit beta (Hb-beta), Keratin 4 (K-4) and Pyruvate Kinase (PK). Another combination is Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (A1AGP), Hemoglobin subunit beta (Hb-beta) and Keratin4 (K-4). Based on the concentrations as measured, a value is determined reflecting the joint concentrations for said proteins. This value is compared with a threshold value reflecting in the same manner the joint concentrations associated with gingivitis. The comparison allows assessing whether the testing value is indicative of the presence of gingivitis in said patient. Thereby, typically, a testing value reflecting a joint concentration below the joint concentration reflected by the threshold value is indicative for absence of gingivitis in said patient, and a testing value reflecting a joint concentration at or above the joint concentration reflected by the threshold value, is indicative for gingivitis in said patient.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention belongs to the field of oral care and relates to saliva-based diagnosis of periodontal disease. In particular, the present invention relates to a kit, use and method for diagnosing gingivitis. Background technique [0002] Inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, is a non-destructive periodontal disease primarily caused by plaque, or plaque, adhering to the tooth surface. If left undetected and treated, reversible gingivitis typically results in inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth (i.e., the periodontal tissue), a condition defined as periodontitis, which is irreversible and leads to tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss , and eventually lead to tooth loss. During the development of gum disease, there are often clinical signs and symptoms associated with it, such as swollen gums that change color from pink to dark red, bleeding gums, bad breath, and gums that become increasingly tender or painful to the touch. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] Limitations of previous point-of-care test development for saliva biomarkers include lack of technology suitable for chairside applications and inability to analyze multiple biomarkers in individual samples

Moreover, the choice of which of multiple biomarkers to include in such tests has not been adequately addressed in the literature, nor has it been implemented in actual testing.

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