This prospective cross-sectional clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and periodontal inflammation by evaluating circadian clock protein levels, inflammatory (IL-1beta) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with and without circadian rhythm disruption.
Participants aged 20-50 years will be classified into four groups based on their circadian rhythm status (disrupted/normal) and gingival health status (gingivitis/healthy). Clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth will be assessed. Circadian rhythm status will be determined using validated questionnaires (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire). Night-shift workers will represent the circadian rhythm disruption group.
GCF samples will be analyzed for circadian clock proteins (BMAL-1, CLOCK, PER-1, PER-2, PER-3, CRY-1, CRY-2, REV-ERB-beta, MTNR1B) and cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-10) using ELISA. Serum cortisol and melatonin levels will be measured for biochemical verification of circadian rhythm status.
Gingivitis groups will receive standard periodontal treatment and be re-evaluated at 2 weeks post-treatment. A total of 116 participants (29 per group) are planned for enrollment.
Aged between 20 and 50 years
Systemically healthy
Diagnosed as periodontally healthy or with gingivitis based on clinical periodontal examination
Having at least 20 natural teeth in the oral cavity
Use of antioxidant or melatonin supplements
Presence of any systemic disease
Use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or immunosuppressants within the past 3 months
Having received periodontal treatment within the past 6 months
Inonu University
Lead sponsor
University of Minnesota
Collaborator
Harvard University
Collaborator
University of Turku
Collaborator