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Published on: January 21, 2020
MicroRNAs and periodontal disease: a qualitative systematic review of human studies
Pablo Micó-Martínez1, Pedro J Almiñana-Pastor2, Francisco Alpiste-Illueca2
1Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. paumico90@gmail.com.
Purpose:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic post-transcriptional regulators that modulate gene expression and have been identified as biomarkers for several diseases, including cancer. This study aimed to systematically review the relationship between miRNAs and periodontal disease in humans, and to evaluate the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of disease.
Methods:
The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (reference number CRD42020180683). The MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and SciELO databases were searched for clinical studies conducted in humans investigating periodontal diseases and miRNAs. Expression levels of miRNAs across the different groups were analysed using the collected data.
Results:
A total of 1,299 references were identified in the initial literature search, and 23 articles were finally included in the review. The study designs were heterogeneous, which prevented a meta-analysis of the data. Most of the studies compared miRNA expression levels between patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. The most widely researched miRNA in periodontal diseases was miR-146a. Most studies reported higher expression levels of miR-146a in patients with periodontitis than in healthy controls. In addition, many studies also focused on identifying target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs that were significantly related to periodontal inflammation.
Conclusions:
The results of the studies that we analysed are promising, but diagnostic tests are needed to confirm the use of miRNAs as biomarkers to monitor and aid in the early diagnosis of periodontitis in clinical practice.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for periodontal disease. Research indicates elevated miR-146a levels in periodontitis patients, suggesting potential for early diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular mechanisms
- Genetics and Epigenetics
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key epigenetic regulators of gene expression.
- miRNAs are emerging as critical biomarkers for various diseases, including cancer.
- Periodontal disease involves complex inflammatory processes influenced by gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the association between miRNAs and human periodontal disease.
- To assess the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miRNAs in periodontitis.
- To consolidate current research on miRNA biomarkers in periodontology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Comprehensive literature search across multiple major scientific databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, etc.).
- Analysis of miRNA expression levels in human studies comparing periodontitis patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- 23 studies were included from 1,299 initial references.
- Heterogeneous study designs precluded meta-analysis.
- miR-146a was the most studied miRNA, with most studies showing higher expression in periodontitis.
- Target genes related to periodontal inflammation were identified for differentially expressed miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Current findings on miRNAs in periodontal disease are promising.
- Further diagnostic validation is required to establish miRNAs as clinical biomarkers.
- miRNAs may aid in the early detection and monitoring of periodontitis.
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