Gingival Tissue MiRNA Expression Profiling and an Analysis of Periodontitis-Specific Circulating MiRNAs

Area of Science:

• Oral biology
• Molecular biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Periodontitis (PD) is a common inflammatory disease affecting oral tissues.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and are implicated in various diseases.
• The role of specific miRNAs in periodontitis, particularly in relation to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with periodontitis in gingival tissues.
• To evaluate the levels of selected miRNAs in saliva and blood plasma of individuals with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• To correlate miRNA levels with clinical parameters of periodontitis.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide miRNA expression analysis in gingival tissues.
• Validation of miRNA expression in gingival tissues, saliva, and blood plasma.
• Statistical analysis to correlate miRNA levels with periodontitis severity and presence of RA.

Main Results:

• 177 deregulated miRNAs were identified in periodontitis tissues.
• miR-140-3p and miR-145-5p were upregulated, while miR-125a-3p was downregulated in inflamed gingival tissues.
• Increased salivary miR-145-5p correlated with PD severity; higher plasma miR-140-3p was observed in PD patients.
• Similar miRNA-PD associations were found in participants with and without RA.

Conclusions:

• Gingival levels of miR-140-3p, miR-145-5p, and miR-125a-3p are independently associated with periodontitis presence and severity.
• Salivary and plasma miRNA levels show diverse relationships with periodontitis.
• The findings suggest potential utility of miRNAs as biomarkers for periodontitis, irrespective of rheumatoid arthritis status.