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MERC Proteins in Saliva and GCF in Periodontal Disease (ELISA Study)

NCT07601685 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 48

Last updated 2026-05-22

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This observational cross-sectional study investigates the levels of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact site (MERC) proteins in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with different periodontal conditions. MERCs are specialized regions where mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum physically connect, and they play important roles in calcium signaling, oxidative stress regulation, and cell death (apoptosis). Disruption of these contact sites has been linked to inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease.

The study includes 48 systemically healthy, non-smoking adults divided into three groups: periodontally healthy (n=16), gingivitis (n=16), and Stage III Grade B periodontitis (n=16). Five MERC-associated proteins (VAPB, PTPIP51, IP3R, GRP75, and VDAC) are measured in GCF and saliva samples using ELISA. Additionally, caspase-3 (a marker of apoptosis), reactive oxygen species (a marker of oxidative stress), and calcium levels are measured to explore relationships between MERC proteins and key cellular processes involved in periodontal tissue destruction.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether MERC protein levels differ across periodontal conditions and to evaluate their associations with clinical periodontal parameters, oxidative stress, calcium metabolism, and apoptosis.

Conditions

  • Periodontitis
  • Gingivitis and Periodontal Diseases
  • Biomarker Discovery and Validation
  • Pathways

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

ELISA Biomarker Analysis

Levels of MERC-associated proteins (VAPB, PTPIP51, IP3R, GRP75, VDAC), caspase-3, reactive oxygen species, and calcium were measured in gingival crevicular fluid and unstimulated whole saliva samples using commercially available ELISA kits. Absorbance was read at 450 nm. No therapeutic intervention was applied; this is an observational biomarker measurement study.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Calcium Measurement

Calcium levels were measured in gingival crevicular fluid and unstimulated whole saliva samples using a commercially available ELISA kit (ELK Biotechnology, China). Concentrations were expressed as μmol/mL and total amounts as μmol/30s. Analytical range: 0.15-40 μmol/mL. No therapeutic intervention was applied.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Principal Investigators

  • Cüneyt A Aral, Professor, DDS, PhD · Inonu University

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-01-10
Primary Completion
2025-01-01
Completion
2025-04-01

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07601685 on ClinicalTrials.gov