Molecular mechanisms of temporomandibular joint degeneration in large animal models

Abstract

The aim of this scoping review was to summarize the results of large animal models investigating the molecular mechanisms of temporomandibular joint degenerative diseases (TMJ-DD). A search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed, up to April 2024, using specific terms related to large animals and TMJ-DD. Identified studies had to be published in English. Two reviewers independently selected articles based on the inclusion criteria, with disagreements resolved by a senior author. Compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines was assessed for all studies, evaluating adherence to reporting standards across 21 checklist items. The search yielded 649 non-duplicate articles, of which 616 were excluded after title and abstract screening . The remaining 33 articles and one additional study identified in a hand-search underwent full-text review . Ultimately, seven studies were included, with three focusing on sheep, two on horses, and two on pigs. This review summarizes the biological markers involved in TMJ-DD and discusses their relevance in developing targeted and minimally invasive strategies to prevent the initiation and/or progression of joint disease.