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Peri-implantitis, a common biological complication of dental implants, is characterized by soft-tissue inflammation and progressive bone loss. Oxidative stress is increasingly implicated in its pathogenesis, yet the diagnostic potential of salivary redox biomarkers remains unclear. This study's objective was to assess the association between salivary malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and peri-implant disease via a pre-registered, quantitative meta-analysis of previously published studies using predefined statistical criteria. Following a priori PROSPERO registration, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2004-September 2025), extracted data in duplicate, and pooled effects using random-effects models; certainty of evidence was appraised with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) and risk of bias with ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions)/QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2). Twelve studies were included qualitatively: seven (n = 726) contributed to MDA and five (n = 485) to TAC meta-analyses. Peri-implant disease was associated with elevated MDA (SMD = 1.64, 95% CI 1.39-1.88) and reduced TAC (SMD = -1.88, 95% CI -2.17 to -1.58); statistical heterogeneity was not detected, and results were robust to sensitivity and exploratory assay-based subgroup analyses. Salivary MDA and TAC show consistent, large, standardized differences in peri-implant disease; however, observational designs, assay variability, and the absence of validated diagnostic thresholds warrant cautious interpretation and prospective validation before clinical adoption.
Popa et al. (Fri,) studied this question.