Role of microRNAs in Diabetes-Associated Periodontitis: A Scoping Review

Rupali Agnihotri1, Sumit Gaur2, Subraya Giliyar Bhat3

  • 1Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis (PD) progression. Certain miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for DM-associated PD, but more human studies are needed.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis (PD) share a complex bidirectional relationship.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as critical regulators in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including DM and PD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of DM-associated PD.
  • To assess the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for PD in individuals with DM.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science) until September 2023.
  • 14 relevant studies focusing on miRNA roles in DM-associated PD pathogenesis and biomarker potential were included and assessed for bias.
  • Data on study design, participant demographics, sample types, disease severity, specific miRNAs, and clinical parameters were collected.

Main Results:

  • Altered expression of specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-146a, miR-155, miR-200b) was observed in comorbid DM and PD subjects.
  • These miRNAs influence immune responses, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and insulin sensitivity, contributing to periodontal destruction.
  • miRNA-146a shows potential as a PD biomarker in DM, while miR-155 is a predictor in non-DM PD.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs significantly impact the immuno-inflammatory processes in DM-associated PD.
  • While miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for both DM and PD, their clinical application is limited by a lack of standardized detection methods.
  • Further human studies are crucial to standardize sample collection, miRNA sources, and detection techniques for reliable DM-associated PD biomarker identification.