Potential role of TP63 in apical periodontitis development

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Genetics
• Immunohistochemistry

Background:

• Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition affecting the periapical tissues of the tooth.
• The genetic factors contributing to AP susceptibility and progression are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of the TP63 gene in apical periodontitis lesions.
• To determine the association between TP63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of developing AP.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate TP63 expression in human AP lesions.
• A case-control study genotyped 12 TP63 SNPs in individuals with and without AP, and with or without pain.
• Real-time PCR and PLINK software were utilized for genotyping and data analysis.

Main Results:

• TP63 expression was detected in various AP lesions, including apical abscesses and radicular cysts.
• A trend for association between specific TP63 SNPs (rs16864812, rs9810322) and AP presence was observed.
• TP63 variants and haplotypes showed nominal associations with AP and associated periapical pain.

Conclusions:

• TP63 variants may contribute to the pathogenesis and susceptibility of apical periodontitis.
• AP is a complex condition likely influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
• Further population and functional studies are required to elucidate TP63's role in AP.