Gingival crevicular fluid microRNA associations with periodontitis

Adomas Rovas1, Alina Puriene1, Kristina Snipaitiene2

  • 1Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University.

Journal of Oral Science
|October 25, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) show potential for diagnosing periodontitis (PD). MiR-140-3p, miR-145-5p, and miR-146a-5p levels in GCF can help detect PD, even in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Area of Science:

  • Oral Biology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Periodontology

Background:

  • Periodontitis (PD) is a common inflammatory disease affecting gums and supporting bone.
  • Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) contains biomarkers that may aid in PD diagnosis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can influence systemic inflammation and potentially impact periodontal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between specific GCF microRNAs (miRNAs) and periodontitis (PD).
  • To assess the diagnostic potential of miR-140-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-195-5p in GCF for PD.
  • To evaluate the influence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on these miRNA levels in the context of PD.

Main Methods:

  • GCF samples were collected from individuals with and without PD, with or without RA.
  • MicroRNA (miRNA) levels were extracted from GCF samples.
  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure specific miRNA levels.

Main Results:

  • miR-146a-5p levels were significantly lower in patients with PD and correlated negatively with PD severity.
  • Patients with severe PD exhibited higher GCF levels of miR-140-3p and miR-145-5p compared to healthy individuals.
  • Specific miRNAs (miR-140-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-146a-5p) showed diagnostic potential for severe PD, with combined analysis improving accuracy.

Conclusions:

  • miR-140-3p, miR-145-5p, and miR-146a-5p are associated with periodontitis (PD).
  • These miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for non-invasive, GCF-based diagnostics of PD.
  • The findings are relevant for patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA).