MicroRNAs: The Missing Link between Hypertension and Periodontitis?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular research
• Oral health
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases are a leading global cause of death, with arterial hypertension as a major risk factor.
• Arterial hypertension involves vascular inflammation and remodeling, linked to immunological responses.
• The association between periodontitis (a chronic oral inflammatory disease) and hypertension is debated due to unknown shared mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of microRNAs (noncoding RNAs) in arterial hypertension and periodontitis.
• To explore the potential epigenetic influence of microRNAs in linking these two conditions.
• To identify common microRNAs implicated in both periodontitis and hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on microRNAs in arterial hypertension and periodontitis.
• Identification of common microRNAs between the two diseases.
• Bioinformatic analysis (DIANA-mirPath) to predict regulated signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Thirteen common microRNAs were identified between periodontitis and hypertension.
• These common microRNAs are predicted to regulate genes involved in 52 distinct signaling pathways.
• The findings suggest a potential molecular link mediated by microRNAs.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs represent a plausible mechanism underlying the association between periodontitis and hypertension.
• Shared microRNA pathways may contribute to the low-grade chronic inflammation common to both diseases.
• Further research into these microRNAs could offer new insights into managing hypertension and periodontitis.