Melatonin levels in periodontitis vs. the healthy state: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #chronic-periodontitis #melatonin #saliva

Melatonin levels in periodontitis vs. the healthy state: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Balaji et al., 2022 | Oral Dis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Balaji Thodur Madapusi, Varadarajan Saranya, ... Fageeh Hytham N. Melatonin levels in periodontitis vs. the healthy state: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Dis. 2022-Mar;28(2):284-306. doi:10.1111/odi.13679

Abstract

The aim was to provide a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of any potential differences in melatonin levels in periodontitis vs. the healthy state. The keyword combination "melatonin" AND "periodontitis" was searched in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis were performed on articles satisfying the inclusion criteria. Only 14 studies were included in the systematic review, out of which only 10 had quantitative data compatible with a meta-analysis. Ten studies demonstrated low melatonin in periodontitis, three studies demonstrated an initial reduction in melatonin levels followed by elevation with worsening of periodontitis, and one study showed an elevation in melatonin levels in the transition from a healthy state to periodontitis. Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation revealed that all the included studies had low to very low overall evidence. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < .0001) in salivary melatonin levels in chronic periodontitis (3.26 ± 3.44 pg/ml) compared with healthy controls (5.27 ± 5.39 pg/ml), with a mean difference of 2.65 ± 7.84 and a confidence interval of 1.94-3.36. The significantly lower salivary melatonin levels in periodontitis must be inferred with caution given the low quality of the included studies.

Key Findings

The significantly lower salivary melatonin levels in periodontitis must be inferred with caution given the low quality of the included studies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 14
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Chronic Periodontitis
  • Melatonin
  • Saliva

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09