Role of miRNAs in the Resolution of Periodontal Inflammation: Therapeutic, Non-Surgical Intervention Study in Humans

Periodontitis is an infectious, inflammatory, multifactorial disease characterized by irreversible loss of supporting tissues of teeth. While, significant progress has been made in elucidating mechanisms associated with periodontal inflammation and resolution, very little is known regarding role of miRNAs in this process. Upon miRNA array analysis from the 100 differentially expressed miRNAs in periodontal disease, a subset of miRNAs were responsive to therapy in achieving levels as compared to those of healthy specimens. These were predicted to regulate inflammatory pathways related to cell movement, cytokine signaling, ECM re-organization, immune cell development, etc. Functional analysis identified therapy responsive miRs implicated in mechanisms impacting cellular architecture and periodontal-pathogen induced inflammatory response in gingival epithelial cells & macrophages. Given that clinical and radiologic determinants of periodontal disease like Probing Depth, irreversible bone loss are measured retrospectively, identification for accurate biomarkers in the diagnosis of periodontitis, at earlier inflammatory stage of the disease is paramount. Characterization of miRNA as potential biomarkers for early detection of periodontitis can prove to be greatly effective for diagnosis and management of oral diseases. Application of miRNA genomic and proteomic technologies may prove beneficial during course of periodontal therapy.