GFI-1 and Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, including gingivitis and its more advanced form, periodontitis, is a common condition that damages the tissues supporting the teeth. This study examines how gum disease affects the expression of specific genes and proteins that regulate communication between internal cell structures and the clearance of damaged material. Researchers will collect small gum tissue samples from people with healthy gums, gingivitis, or periodontitis during dental procedures they are already undergoing. These samples will be used to measure the expression levels of the GFI1, NF-κB, and NLRP3 genes/proteins, along with IL-1beta levels. In a separate laboratory experiment, gum cells will be exposed to a substance produced by bacteria commonly associated with gum disease, to observe how these same genes and protein respond. The goal of this study is to better understand the biological changes that occur in gum tissue as gum disease progresses, which may help guide future research into new treatments.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion criteria for the Healthy Control group were: presence of ≥ 20 teeth in the mouth, probing pocket depth (PPD) ≤ 3 mm, the percentage of bleeding sites for the whole mouth \< 10%, and, on radiographic examination, a distance of ≤ 3 mm between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest in 95% of all teeth. Inclusion criteria for the Gingivitis group were: presence of ≥ 20 teeth in the mouth, PPD ≤ 3 mm, % of bleeding sites for the whole mouth ≥ 10%, and, on radiographic examination, a distance of ≤ 3 mm between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest in 95% of all teeth. Inclusion criteria for the Stage 3 Periodontitis group were: presence of ≥ 15 teeth in the mouth, more than 30% of teeth affected by periodontal disease, affected teeth exhibiting probing depths of 6 mm or more and clinical attachment loss (CAL) of ≥ 5 mm, vertical bone loss of 3 mm or more, class 2 or 3 furcation involvement, and radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss extending to the middle third and beyond (33%) in the relevant teeth Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria for all groups were defined as: presence of any systemic disease, regular use of any medication, smoking, pregnancy or lactation, periodontal treatment within the last 6 months, antibiotic use within the last 6 months, and the presence of prosthetic restorations on the teeth to be sampled