Salivary Tumor Necrosis Factor–Alpha and Malondialdehyde Levels in Children with Class II Malocclusion and Sleep Disorders: An Evaluative Study

ABSTRACT

Context Recently biomarkers for sleep disorders have provided an alternative and convenient means of diagnosis for children at risk. Aim: To evaluate salivary TNF?? and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in children with skeletal class II malocclusion and with a positive history of sleep disorders. Settings and Design: This prospective evaluative study was carried out from October 2020 to March 2021, in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Material and Methods: 21 children aged 8?12 years with skeletal class II malocclusion and at least one sleep disorder participated in the study (Group 1). 21 age and gender matched children with no skeletal malocclusion and no reported history of sleep disorders served as a comparison group (Group 2). All children were evaluated regarding their sleep history and clinically examined to determine craniofacial morphology. Unstimulated saliva was collected from all children. Salivary TNF?? was measured with a solid?phase sandwich ELISA. Salivary MDA was measured by using TBA reagent. Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparison for age and normally distributed data was done using t?test. Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables was done using Chi?square test. Inter group comparison for TNF?? was done using Mann–Whitney U test. Results: There were significantly higher levels of salivary TNF?? and MDA, in children of Group 1 when compared to that of Group 2 children (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Salivary TNF?? and MDA may be a simple and non?invasive tool in the identification and screening of children at high risk for sleep disorders.