ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES IN ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM MARKERS IN CHILDREN WITH DENTAL CARIES AND INFLAMMATORY PERIODONTAL DISEASES AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES

Abstract

Dental caries and inflammatory periodontal diseases in children remain a relevant problem of modern dentistry since their development is associated not only with the action of local microbial and hygienic factors, but also with disturbances in the biochemical homeostasis of the oral cavity. One of the important pathogenetic links of these diseases is oxidative stress, which is accompanied by activation of lipid peroxidation, decreased activity of the enzymatic antioxidant system, and changes in integral indicators of antioxidant–prooxidant balance. The aim of the study was to assess changes in catalase activity, malondialdehyde content, and the antioxidant–prooxidant index in the oral fluid of children with dental caries, inflammatory periodontal diseases, and gastrointestinal tract diseases against the background of therapeutic and prophylactic measures. Materials and methods. The study included a clinical and laboratory examination of children with dental caries, signs of inflammatory periodontal tissue involvement, and gastrointestinal tract diseases. To assess the state of the antioxidant–prooxidant system in oral fluid, catalase activity and malondialdehyde content were determined, and the antioxidant–prooxidant index was calculated. The indicators were compared before and after the application of the therapeutic and prophylactic complex. Results. It was established that in children with dental caries and inflammatory periodontal diseases, the biochemical balance of oral fluid shifted toward the prooxidant side. This was manifested by decreased catalase activity, increased MDA levels, and reduced API, indicating intensification of lipid peroxidation processes and insufficiency of local antioxidant defense. After the application of therapeutic and prophylactic measures, positive dynamics of the studied indicators were observed: catalase activity increased, MDA content decreased, and the antioxidant–prooxidant index rose. Conclusion. Assessment of catalase, MDA, and API in oral fluid is an informative approach for characterizing oxidative imbalance in children with dental caries and inflammatory periodontal diseases. The application of the therapeutic and prophylactic complex contributes to the improvement of antioxidant defense, reduction in the intensity of lipid peroxidation, and restoration of the antioxidant– prooxidant balance of the oral cavity.