Gene and protein interaction network analysis in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of Hertwig's Epithelial Root Sheath reveals periodontal regenerative drug targets - An in silico study.

Background and aim: Hertwig's Εpithelial Root Sheath (HΕRS) has a major function in the developing tooth roots. Earlier research revealed that it undergoes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a vital process for the morphogenesis and complete development of the tooth and its surrounding periodontium. Few studies have demonstrated the role of HERS in cementogenesis through ΕMΤ. The background of this in-silico system biology approach is to find a hub protein and gene involved in the EMT of HERS that may uncover novel insights in periodontal regenerative drug targets. Materials and methods: The protein and gene list involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition were obtained from literature sources. The protein interaction was constructed using STRING software and the protein interaction network was analyzed. Molecular docking simulation checks the binding energy and stability of protein-ligand complex. Results: Results revealed the hub gene to be DYRK1A(Hepcidin), and the ligand was identified as isoetharine. SΤRIΝG results showed a confidence cutoff of 0.9 in sensitivity analysis with a condensed protein interaction network. Overall, 98 nodes from 163 nodes of expected edges were found with an average node degree of 11.9. Docking results show binding energy of -4.70, and simulation results show an RMSD value of 5.6 Å at 50 ns. Conclusion: Isoetharine could be a potential drug for periodontal regeneration.

Evaluation of Systemic Markers Related to Anemia in Aggressive Periodontitis Patients before and after Phase I Periodontal Therapy: An Interventional Study.

AIM: The main aim of the study was to evaluate the systemic markers related to anemia in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients before and after phase I therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the inclusion criteria, 15 patients with GAgP were allocated to two groups, group A (before phase I periodontal therapy) and group B (after phase I periodontal therapy). After 3 months, clinical parameters and hematological parameters were reevaluated. RESULTS: The hematological parameters like hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were increased significantly after therapy in group B with a significant improvement in the plaque index score, gingival bleeding index score with a reduction of probing depth, and a gain in clinical attachment levels. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that GAgP was associated with reduced RBC parameters suggesting that it may tend toward anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) not only reverses the periodontal health by reducing the inflammation but also improves the anemic status. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on several studies, it was concluded that chronic periodontitis is associated with ACD. This study results indicate that like chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis is also associated with reduced RBC and Hb count suggesting the risk for ACD. So when a patient is diagnosed to have any chronic infectious disease that might lead to ACD, then it is mandatory to treat that particular disease in order to reduce the infection so as to reverse the anemic status of an individual.