Analysis of synovial fluid visfatin level in temporomandibular joint disorders.

Biochemical analysis of synovial fluid (SF) is an important means of understanding the pathogenesis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and confirming diagnoses made using traditional methods. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not SF visfatin levels can serve as a biochemical marker in the diagnosis of TMD. Sixty samples of SF were obtained from 60 patients with internal derangement (ID) or osteoarthritis (OA). Visfatin in the SF was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Visfatin levels showed positive correlations with TMD pain and ID stage and a negative correlation with maximum mouth opening. In addition, Visfatin levels in joints with OA changes in the condyle were significantly higher in comparison to joints with no OA changes. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that visfatin may play a role in the pathogenesis of TMD.