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MicroRNA expression profiles in peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid in orthodontics: a pilot study
Wendan He1,2, Yanru Yang3, Longgan Cai2
1Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, 100006, China.
Background:
This study systematically evaluated microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid (PMICF) in orthodontic patients.
Methods:
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to obtain miRNA profiles in PMICF or gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from 3 healthy volunteers (H), 3 peri-implantitis patients (PMSII) and 5 periodontitis patients (P). MiRNA expression patterns were compared between normal and orthodontic PMICF and GCF. Differentially expressed miRNAs were estimated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Enrichment analyses of the gene targets controlled by these miRNAs were conducted by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses.
Results:
Compared with healthy donors, in PMSII patients, a total of 206 upregulated miRNAs and 152 downregulated miRNAs were detected in PMICF, while periodontitis patients had 333 upregulated miRNAs and 318 downregulated miRNAs. MiR-544a, miR-1245b-3p, miR-1825, miR-4291, miR-3689e, and miR-4477a were chosen randomly for further examination. qRT-PCR examination confirmed that the expression levels of miR-1245b-3p and miR-4291 were higher in PMSII than in H samples and that the expression levels of miR-1825 were higher in PMSII than in P samples. However, contrary to the NGS results, qRT-PCR analysis showed decreased expression of miR544a in PMSII. MiR3689e and miR4477a expression did not differ significantly among all samples. According to GO and KEGG pathway analyses of miR-1825, miR-4291, and miR-1245b-3p high enrichment of target genes involved in the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway was observed.
Conclusions:
The NGS analysis of normal and orthodontic PMICF/CGF showed different miRNA profiles, which may lay the foundation for future research on the molecular mechanism of PMSII. miR-4291, miR-1245b-3p and miR-1825 may be used as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for PMSII.
Insights
This study identified distinct microRNA (miRNA) profiles in peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid (PMICF) from patients with peri-implantitis. Specific miRNAs show potential as diagnostic markers for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNA (miRNA) expression in peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid (PMICF) is not well understood in orthodontic patients.
- Peri-implantitis (PMSII) is a significant complication of orthodontic mini-implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate miRNA expression patterns in PMICF of orthodontic patients.
- To identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for peri-implantitis.
Main Methods:
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) to profile miRNAs in PMICF and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for differential miRNA expression validation.
- Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses for target gene enrichment.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in miRNA expression were observed between healthy donors, peri-implantitis patients, and periodontitis patients.
- NGS revealed numerous upregulated and downregulated miRNAs in PMSII patients compared to healthy controls.
- qRT-PCR validated elevated levels of miR-1245b-3p and miR-4291 in PMSII, and miR-1825 in periodontitis patients. Enrichment analysis highlighted the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- Distinct miRNA profiles exist in normal and orthodontic PMICF/GCF, suggesting a basis for understanding PMSII molecular mechanisms.
- miR-4291, miR-1245b-3p, and miR-1825 are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for peri-implantitis.

