DNA methylation profile of genes related to immune response in generalized periodontitis.

Background And Objective: Epigenetic events, as the DNA methylation, may be related to development of inflammatory diseases. Due to the important role of host's response in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the methylation profile of genes related to immune response in gingival tissues from patients with generalized periodontitis (GP) compared to healthy individuals.

Methods: Gingival tissues were collected from 20 individuals with GP and 20 healthy individuals.

Methylation pattern of the CD14 and TLR2 genes in human dental pulp.

Introduction: Pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and TLR-4, participate in the activation of immune cells by microorganisms in dental pulp. However, the expression levels of pattern recognition receptors can be modulated by epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation. In this study, the methylation status of the TLR-2 and CD14 (TLR4 co-receptor) genes in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp was examined.

Hypermethylation and low transcription of TLR2 gene in chronic periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by interactions between periodontal pathogens and host's immune response. Epigenetic may contribute to disease development and outcome by influencing the expression of genes involved in the immune response. It has been shown that Toll-like receptors (TLR) play an important role in the response to periodontopathic bacteria.