Roza Saeed, Fadil Abdullah Kareem
Objective: This research was formulated to investigate the relationship between salivary biomarkers which include Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) and Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI), and glycemic status in individuals with normal, prediabetic, controlled diabetic and uncontrolled diabetic conditions, and to assess their potential role in oral health. Methods: Unstimulated saliva was obtained from 80 individuals aged 30-60 years who participated in this study: 20 healthy individuals and 60 with type II diabetes mellitus. Participants were assigned into four groups (20 in each group) according to their HbA1c level: normal, prediabetic, controlled diabetic and uncontrolled diabetic. Salivary pH was measured using Merck pH paper. All saliva samples were stored at -80 ℃, and salivary JAK1 and SLPI levels were measured using ELISA. Each participant was examined at the time of sample collection for dental caries and periodontal health using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and clinical attachment loss (CAL), respectively. Results: Salivary JAK1 and SLPI showed no significant differences among the groups (p = 0.423 and p = 0.940, respectively). In contrast, DMFT scores (p = 0.031) and CAL (p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the diabetic groups than in controls. HbA1c was positively correlated with CAL (r = 0.420, p < 0.001) and DMFT (r = 0.248, p = 0.027). Regression analysis revealed that age and HbA1c were significant predictors of periodontal status, while salivary biomarkers were not associated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Poor glycemic control was associated with increased periodontal attachment loss and higher caries experience, while salivary JAK1 and SLPI showed no significant diagnostic value. Age and HbA1c emerged as key predictors of oral health outcomes in diabetic patients.