Expression of TET2 enzyme indicates enhanced epigenetic modification of cells in periodontitis.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in the regulation of gene expression, and a reduction in DNA methylation influences cell-cycle progression and cell differentiation in inflammatory cells. The aim of the present study was to analyze the DNA-methylation pattern at local and global/systemic levels in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. Twenty-one subjects with generalized, severe periodontitis and 17 subjects with gingival inflammation but no attachment loss were recruited.