Kynurenine pathway activation is associated with possible bruxism, with elevated cortisol, TNF-α, and KYN/Trp ratio in affected individuals
Saliva cortisol, TNF-α, KYN, and KYN/Trp ratio were significantly higher, while Trp and IFN-γ were lower in individuals with possible bruxism compared to healthy controls (p<0.001 for all). Within bruxism subtypes, possible sleep bruxism showed higher cortisol, KYN, KTR, and TNF-α and lower melatonin than possible combined bruxism (p<0.01 to p<0.001).
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Kynurenine pathway activation is associated with possible bruxism, with elevated cortisol, TNF-α, and KYN/Trp ratio in affected individuals The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Kynurenine pathway activation is associated with possible bruxism, with elevated cortisol, TNF-α, and KYN/Trp ratio in affected individuals
This conclusion is most relevant to: 84 individuals with possible bruxism and 84 age-matched healthy controls.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Activation of the kynurenine pathway in possible bruxism: associations with cortisol, TNF-α, and possible bruxism subtypes. (Oral and maxillofacial surgery, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Psychological stress activates HPA axis, increasing cortisol release
- ▸Cortisol modulates immune responses and tryptophan metabolism via kynurenine pathway
- ▸Kynurenine pathway activation leads to elevated KYN and KYN/Trp ratio, reduced tryptophan
- ▸Result: Biochemical profile of elevated cortisol, TNF-α, KYN, and KTR in bruxism, with subtype differences
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸84 individuals with possible bruxism and 84 age-matched healthy controls
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Possible bruxism diagnosis based on self-report questionnaire, not polysomnography or electromyography
- ▸Cross-sectional design cannot establish causality between kynurenine pathway activation and bruxism
- ▸Saliva samples collected only in the morning, limiting diurnal assessment of biomarkers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the kynurenine pathway and how is it related to bruxism?▼
The kynurenine pathway is a metabolic route for tryptophan degradation, activated by stress and inflammation. This study found elevated kynurenine and KYN/Trp ratio in bruxism patients, suggesting stress-related activation of this pathway.
What biomarkers were different between sleep bruxism and combined bruxism?▼
Sleep bruxism had significantly higher cortisol, KYN, KTR, and TNF-α, and lower melatonin compared to combined bruxism, indicating a stronger stress and inflammatory link.
How were bruxism and its subtypes diagnosed in this study?▼
Bruxism was assessed using a five-item questionnaire evaluating sleep- and awake-related grinding and clenching behaviors, classifying participants as possible sleep bruxism or possible combined bruxism.
What was the sample size and study design?▼
The study included 84 individuals with possible bruxism and 84 age-matched healthy controls, using a cross-sectional observational design with morning saliva collection and ELISA analysis.
References
- 1.Afşar E, Ayran Ş, Oral N, BahadırKuzzu K, Şanlı E, Avcı MA, Göz MS. “Activation of the kynurenine pathway in possible bruxism: associations with cortisol, TNF-α, and possible bruxism subtypes..” Oral and maxillofacial surgery, 2026. PMID: 42490003 DOI: 10.1007/s10006-026-01606-9