Work

Gingival crevicular fluid as a functionalized point of care for the early detection of dementia or the asymptomatic phase of neurodegeneration

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Growing evidence links chronic systemic inflammation, particularly from periodontitis, to neurodegenerative processes, which have been reported to share common pathways. Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease is crucial, given that underlying neuropathological processes evolve silently for decades before diagnosis. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), a serum-derived exudate from the gingival sulcus, mirrors both local periodontal inflammation and systemic conditions. Its molecular composition-rich in cytokines, enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and microbial metabolites-makes it a potential source of biomarkers reflecting neuroinflammatory pathways. This review discusses the biological rationale and emerging evidence supporting the use of GCF as a functionalized biofluid for early detection of dementia or asymptomatic neurodegeneration. By integrating advances in biosensing and lab-on-a-chip technologies, GCF analysis could become a minimally invasive, point-of-care approach to identify individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Exploring this oral-brain connection may open new perspectives in preventive medicine and personalized diagnostics.

Source: Frontiers in Dental Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2025.1738635

Authors: Ylenia Leanza, Antonio Belmonte, Alessandro Polizzi, Daniela Galimberti, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Gaetano Isola

Institutions: University of Catania, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353