Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A serum levels and common gene polymorphisms in generalized periodontitis affected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the associations of VEGFA serum levels and SNPs (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) with periodontitis in study participants grouped by gender. METHODS: The study enrolled 261 patients with periodontitis and 441 healthy controls as a reference group. Patients underwent periodontal examination and radiographic analysis to confirm the periodontitis diagnosis. Blood samples were collected, and the DNA salting-out method was used for DNA extraction from peripheral venous blood. Genotyping of VEGFA (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serum level analysis was done for 80 individuals - 40 periodontitis-affected patients and 40 reference group subjects. RESULTS: The analysis of VEGFA (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) showed that the rs3025033 GG genotype was less frequent in the periodontitis group than in the reference group (1.6% vs. 5.7%,p = 0.008). VEGFA serum levels were not statistically significantly different between periodontitis patients and reference group subjects (554.29 (522.38) ng/ml vs. 581.32 (348.16) ng/ml, p = 0.786). Individuals carrying rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323 haplotype A-A-G-A had decreased risks of periodontitis, while rare haplotype of VEGFA (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) was associated with increased odds of periodontitis (OR= 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20-0.85; p < 0.017; OR= 4.08; 95% CI: 1.86-8.94; p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rs3025033 GG genotype and the rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323 A-A-G-A haplotypes may play a protective role in the development of periodontitis, but a less common haplotype of the same VEGFA polymorphism may be associated with the risk of developing periodontitis.

Expression of Interleukin-17, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Patients with Chronic Peri-Implant Mucositis.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to evaluate whether non-surgical treatment interferes with clinical parameters and local patterns of osteo-immunoinflammatory mediators (IL-17 and TNF-alpha) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) that are found in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) and biofilms during the progression of peri-implant mucositis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We selected 30 patients with peri-implant caused mucositis before (MP) and after treatment (TP) and 30 healthy people (HP) for the analysis of IL-17, TNF-alpha cytokine, and MMP-8 production in PICF and for analysis of colonization dynamics of periodontopathogenic bacteria in supra- and subgingival plaque samples. The levels of IL-17 and MMP-8 concentrations in samples were assayed by enzymatic immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and TNF-alpha levels were determined by enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (EASIA) method in PICF. The micro-IDent test was used to detect 11 species of periodontopathogenic bacteria in subgingival biofilm. RESULTS We found significantly (P<0.001) higher levels of IL-17, TNF-alpha, and MMP-8 in the PICF of the MP and TP groups in comparison to the HP group. A significant association was found in MP associated with Parvimonas micra, as TNF-alpha in PICF was significantly higher (P=0.034) than in patients without Parvimonas micra. TNF-alpha levels in the samples of PICF showed a moderate correlation with clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI) (P=0.007) and MMP-8 levels (P=0.001), in the MP group. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of levels of inflammatory cytokines in PICF can aid in the identification of peri-implant mucositis, which can assist in early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length and Genes Involved in its Regulation With Oral Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the relative leukocyte telomere length (RLTL) and gene polymorphisms involved in its regulation with the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with OSCC and healthy subjects were examined. Genotyping and RLTL measurement were carried out using rPCR. RESULTS: The OSCC group had longer telomeres than controls (p=0.001). Minor allele T at TERF1rs1545827 may increase RLTL shortening (p=0.047). TNKS2rs10509639 A/G and A/G+G/G genotypes were associated with a 2.6-fold increased odd (p=0.012) and a 2.4-fold increased odd (p=0.019) of RLTL elongation compared to A/A genotype. The A/G genotype was associated with a 2.6-fold increased odd (p=0.011) compared to the A/A+G/G genotypes. Each G allele was associated with a 2.1-fold increased odd of longer RLTL (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: Longer telomeres were found in patients with OSCC than in controls. The TERF1 rs1545827 and the TNKS2 rs10509639 polymorphisms were associated with an increase in RLTL.