Identification of oxidative stress biomarkers in apical periodontitis: A scoping review with bibliometric analysis

Oxidative stress (OS) is a ubiquitous process for protecting against microorganisms' challenges. This review maps the most used methods for obtaining samples and analysing reactive oxygen species levels in apical periodontitis, following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews and is registered in Open Science Framework ([https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/D5U76]). A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciElo, OATD and DANS up to 17 July 2023. A total of 18 studies were included, with periapical tissue being the most common sample. Twenty-eight different oxidative stress markers were identified, with inducible nitric oxide synthase being the most prevalent. The use of diverse biomarkers for oxidative stress assessment lacks specificity in identifying particular OS species for evaluating apical periodontitis and potential systemic effects. Studies are necessary to compare results obtained from less invasive methods (such as saliva and crevicular fluid) with those from periapical lesion samples.