Analysis of synovial fluid visfatin level in temporomandibular joint disorders.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical analysis of synovial fluid (SF) is an important means of understanding the pathogenesis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and confirming diagnoses made using traditional methods.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not SF visfatin levels can serve as a biochemical marker in the diagnosis of TMD.

METHOD: Sixty samples of SF were obtained from 60 patients with internal derangement (ID) or osteoarthritis (OA). Visfatin in the SF was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULT: Visfatin levels showed positive correlations with TMD pain and ID stage and a negative correlation with maximum mouth opening. In addition, Visfatin levels in joints with OA changes in the condyle were significantly higher in comparison to joints with no OA changes.

CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that visfatin may play a role in the pathogenesis of TMD.