Identification and validation of novel biomarkers and therapeutics for pulpitis using connectivity mapping

Aim To create an irreversible pulpitis gene signature from microarray data of healthy and inflamed dental pulps, followed by a bioinformatics approach using connectivity mapping to identify therapeutic compounds that could potentially treat pulpitis. Methodology The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, international public repository genomics sets, was searched for human datasets assessing An expression generated differential analysis. statistically significant map (ssCMap) method used with highly correlating pattern. qPCR validate novel genes. ex vivo model test the effects identified, level inflammatory cytokines measured qPCR, ELISA multiplex array. Means were compared t-test or ANOVA significance set at p ? .05. Results Pulpitis signatures created analysis cutoff points = .0001 .000018. Top upregulated genes selected as potential biomarkers. Among these, IL8, IL6 MMP9 previously identified Novel genes, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 21 (CCL21), metallothionein 1H (MT1H) aquaporin 9 (AQP9) validated in pulp tissue teeth clinically diagnosed qPCR. ssCMap fluvastatin (Statin) dequalinium chloride (Quaternary ammonium) strongest correlation (p .0001). Fluvastatin reduced IL6, CCL21, AQP9 < .001) .05) model, while but had no effect on other Conclusions AQP9, MT1H CCL21 biomarkers therapeutics model. In testing these licenced drugs is warranted.