Open AccessEpigenetics and Periodontitis: A Contemporary Review
Author(s) -
Geetha Ari,
Sandhya Cherukuri,
Namasivayam Ambalavanan
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2016/21025.8864
Subject(s) - epigenetics , periodontitis , disease , inflammation , inflammatory response , immunology , aggressive periodontitis , gene , medicine , biology , bioinformatics , genetics , pathology , dentistry
Periodontitis is characterized by infection and inflammation of the tooth supporting structures. Few signs of susceptibility and recurrence after treatment are seen due to the outgrowth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Many studies have been done to understand the genetic basis of periodontal disease. An increased risk for periodontitis has been shown with the variations in genes related to the inflammatory response. Interestingly, some of the genes regulated by epigenetic modifications are modified in response to environmental stimuli. Conditions such as cancer, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases have been dispensed by epigenetic mechanisms. The understanding of these molecular mechanisms and the early detection of susceptibility may guide in future periodontal disease treatment and prevention.