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Shared epigenetic alterations between oral cancer and periodontitis: A preliminary study
Andrea Gabusi1, Davide B Gissi1, Sara Grillini1
1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Oral Diseases
|May 14, 2022
Summary
This study found shared DNA methylation changes in inflammatory genes between oral cancer and periodontal disease. These findings suggest a potential link between these oral conditions, paving the way for future research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Periodontology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) detection can be aided by DNA methylation analysis of specific gene panels.
- Oral inflammatory diseases may alter gene methylation levels in the oral cavity.
- A 13-gene panel was previously developed for non-invasive OSCC detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the methylation status of a 13-gene panel in patients with OSCC and periodontal disease (PD).
- To investigate potential shared epigenetic alterations between OSCC and PD.
- To explore links between these two oral conditions.
Main Methods:
- Oral brushing specimens were collected from 23 OSCC patients, 15 PD patients, and 15 healthy controls.
- DNA methylation analysis was performed on all samples.
- Samples were classified as positive or negative based on a predefined methylation cut-off.
Main Results:
- All 23 OSCC patients tested positive for methylation.
- 3 out of 15 PD patients tested positive.
- The GP1BB and MIR193 genes showed similar methylation levels in PD and OSCC groups, while ZAP70 methylation differed across the three groups.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary data indicate shared epigenetic alterations in inflammatory genes (GP1BB, MIR193) between PD and OSCC.
- These findings suggest a potential link between periodontal disease and oral cancer.
- This research serves as a foundation for future studies on the pathogenesis of these conditions.
