Appraisal of skeletal maturity indicators with respect to non invasive biomarkers

Abstract

Abstract Background An orthodontist aims to begin treatment during pubertal growth spurt which is a promising time in terms of treatment outcomes. Salivary non-invasive biomarkers are being studied as they could be a help in predicting skeletal age assessment. This study is conducted to assess the correlation amongst salivary Insulin-Like Growth factor-1, salivary Alkaline Phosphatase, cervical vertebrae maturation stages and chronological age in the assessment of skeletal age during the growth period. This study also aims on finding associations with mandibular base length and maxillary base length. Methods A number of 80 suitable subjects from 7 to 21 years of age were selected and divided into two groups based on the sex (41 males, 39 females). They were further sub-grouped on the basis of six cervical vertebrae maturation stages from the lateral cephalogram. For every subject chronological age was reported, maxillary base length and mandibular base length was calculated from tracing on lateral cephalogram. Saliva specimens were retrieved from each subject to evaluate the salivary IGF-1and ALP levels by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The retrieved data was subjected to statistical analysis in SPSS software (20.0). Results The mean salivary IGF-1 activity were found to be at peak in CVMI stage 3 and highest mean salivary ALP levels were found to be in CVMI stage 3 in males and CVMI stage 4 in females. Conclusions The mean salivary ALP and salivary IGF-1 levels are well correlated with CVMI stages. Salivary ALP levels show correlation with chronological age and could also be used as a diagnostic model to predict cervical stage.