DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus alone and with co-existing periodontitis in a Brazilian population.

The association between Periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been primarily based on their similar pathophysiology and both are associated with genetic polymorphisms. OBJECTIVES: To investigate an association between the methylation-related gene polymorphisms DNMT3B (rs2424913) and MTHFR (rs1801133) to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: In total, 196 individuals of all genders aged 24 to 60 years old were allocated into four groups based on their systemic and periodontal status, namely: Healthy control (n=60), periodontitis (n=51), SLE (n=47), and SLE + periodontitis (n=38). Individuals with SLE were stratified according to disease activity (SLEDAI) in inactive or active. We performed polymorphism analysis using PCR-RFLP with genomic DNA from mouthwash. We analyzed data using Fisher's Exact, Chi-square test, and regression models. RESULTS: Periodontal status were similar in subjects with periodontitis alone and combined with SLE. SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer SLE diagnosis than SLE only (p=0.001). For DNMT3 B polymorphism, the periodontitis, SLE, and Inactive SLE + periodontitis groups showed a higher frequency of T allele and TT genotypes compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Regression analyses showed that the TT genotype is a strong risk factor for periodontitis (OR=4.53; CI95%=1.13-18.05) and also for SLE without periodontitis (OR=11.57; CI95%=3.12-42.84) and SLE with periodontitis (OR=5.27; CI95%=1.25-22.11) when compared to control. CONCLUSION: SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer length of SLE diagnosis. The DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism was associated with periodontitis and SLE alone or combined with periodontitis. Our study contributes to understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in periodontitis and SLE susceptibility.

DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus alone and with co-existing periodontitis in a Brazilian population

Abstract The association between Periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been primarily based on their similar pathophysiology and both are associated with genetic polymorphisms. Objectives: To investigate an association between the methylation-related gene polymorphisms DNMT3B (rs2424913) and MTHFR (rs1801133) to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Periodontitis. Methodology: In total, 196 individuals of all genders aged 24 to 60 years old were allocated into four groups based on their systemic and periodontal status, namely: Healthy control (n=60), periodontitis (n=51), SLE (n=47), and SLE + periodontitis (n=38). Individuals with SLE were stratified according to disease activity (SLEDAI) in inactive or active. We performed polymorphism analysis using PCR-RFLP with genomic DNA from mouthwash. We analyzed data using Fisher's Exact, Chi-square test, and regression models. Results: Periodontal status were similar in subjects with periodontitis alone and combined with SLE. SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer SLE diagnosis than SLE only (p=0.001). For DNMT3 B polymorphism, the periodontitis, SLE, and Inactive SLE + periodontitis groups showed a higher frequency of T allele and TT genotypes compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Regression analyses showed that the TT genotype is a strong risk factor for periodontitis (OR=4.53; CI95%=1.13-18.05) and also for SLE without periodontitis (OR=11.57; CI95%=3.12-42.84) and SLE with periodontitis (OR=5.27; CI95%=1.25-22.11) when compared to control. Conclusion: SLE patients with periodontitis had a longer length of SLE diagnosis. The DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism was associated with periodontitis and SLE alone or combined with periodontitis. Our study contributes to understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in periodontitis and SLE susceptibility.

Perillyl alcohol has antibacterial effects and reduces ROS production in macrophages.

Natural products have emerged as a rich source of bioactive compounds for adjunctive treatments of many infectious and inflammatory conditions, including periodontitis. Among the monoterpenes with significant biological properties, there is the perillyl alcohol (POH), which can be found in several essential oils and has shown immunomodulatory properties in recent studies, which may be interesting in the treatment of non-neoplastic inflammatory disorders. Objective To determine the antibacterial and immune modulatory activities of the POH. Methodology The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the POH for two significant Gram-negative periodontal pathogens were determined by macrodilution and subculture, respectively. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages were determined by Trypan Blue and mitochondrial enzymatic activity assay. The modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed by flow cytometry and expression of TNF and arginase-1 by real-time PCR. Results The POH was effective against P. gingivalis (ATCC 33277) and F. nucleatum (ATCC 25586) with MIC= MBC=1600 µM. No cytotoxicity up to 100 µM was observed on macrophages. The cell proliferation was inhibited from 48 hours at 100 µM (p<0.05) and 250 µM (p<0.01). The POH increased ROS production at both 10 µM and 100 µM (p<0.05) in unstimulated cells. The PMA-induced ROS production was not affected by POH, whereas 100 µM significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS-induced) ROS. The expression of TNF was not affected by POH in unstimulated cells or in cells polarized to M1 phenotype, whereas both concentrations of POH reduced (p<0.05) the expression of arginase-1 in M2-polarized macrophages. Conclusion The POH has antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens and reduced proliferation of murine macrophages without significant cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 100 µM. In addition, the POH reduced the LPS-induced ROS and the expression of arginase-1 in M2-polarized macrophages.

miR-9-1 gene methylation and DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism may contribute to periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Genetic and epigenetic changes have been associated with periodontitis in various genes; however, little is known about genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms and in oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the association of polymorphisms C677T in MTHFR (rs1801133) and -149C→T in DNMT3B (rs2424913), as well as the methylation profiles of MTHFR, miR-9-1, miR-9-3, SOD1, and CAT with periodontitis. The association between polymorphisms and DNA methylation profiles was also analyzed. METHODOLOGY: The population studied was composed of 100 nonsmokers of both sexes, divided into healthy and periodontitis groups. Genomic DNA was extracted from the epithelial buccal cells, which were collected through a mouthwash. Polymorphism analysis was performed through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), while methylation-specific PCR (MSP) or combined bisulfite restriction analysis techniques were applied for methylation analysis. RESULTS: For DNMT3B, the T allele and the TT genotype were detected more frequently in the periodontitis group, as well as the methylated profile on the miR-9-1 promoter region. There was also a tendency towards promoter region methylation on the CAT sequence of individuals with periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The polymorphism -149C→T in DNMT3B (rs2424913) and the methylated profile of the miR-9-1 promoter region are associated with periodontitis.

Perillyl alcohol has antibacterial effects and reduces ROS production in macrophages

Abstract Natural products have emerged as a rich source of bioactive compounds for adjunctive treatments of many infectious and inflammatory conditions, including periodontitis. Among the monoterpenes with significant biological properties, there is the perillyl alcohol (POH), which can be found in several essential oils and has shown immunomodulatory properties in recent studies, which may be interesting in the treatment of non-neoplastic inflammatory disorders. Objective To determine the antibacterial and immune modulatory activities of the POH. Methodology The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the POH for two significant Gram-negative periodontal pathogens were determined by macrodilution and subculture, respectively. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages were determined by Trypan Blue and mitochondrial enzymatic activity assay. The modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed by flow cytometry and expression of TNF and arginase-1 by real-time PCR. Results The POH was effective against P. gingivalis (ATCC 33277) and F. nucleatum (ATCC 25586) with MIC= MBC=1600 μM. No cytotoxicity up to 100 µM was observed on macrophages. The cell proliferation was inhibited from 48 hours at 100 μM (p<0.05) and 250 μM (p<0.01). The POH increased ROS production at both 10 μM and 100 μM (p<0.05) in unstimulated cells. The PMA-induced ROS production was not affected by POH, whereas 100 μM significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS-induced) ROS. The expression of TNF was not affected by POH in unstimulated cells or in cells polarized to M1 phenotype, whereas both concentrations of POH reduced (p<0.05) the expression of arginase-1 in M2-polarized macrophages. Conclusion The POH has antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens and reduced proliferation of murine macrophages without significant cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 100 μM. In addition, the POH reduced the LPS-induced ROS and the expression of arginase-1 in M2-polarized macrophages.

miR-9-1 gene methylation and DNMT3B (rs2424913) polymorphism may contribute to periodontitis

Abstract Genetic and epigenetic changes have been associated with periodontitis in various genes; however, little is known about genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms and in oxidative stress. Objective: This study aims to investigate the association of polymorphisms C677T in MTHFR (rs1801133) and −149C→T in DNMT3B (rs2424913), as well as the methylation profiles of MTHFR, miR-9-1, miR-9-3, SOD1, and CAT with periodontitis. The association between polymorphisms and DNA methylation profiles was also analyzed. Methodology: The population studied was composed of 100 nonsmokers of both sexes, divided into healthy and periodontitis groups. Genomic DNA was extracted from the epithelial buccal cells, which were collected through a mouthwash. Polymorphism analysis was performed through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), while methylation-specific PCR (MSP) or combined bisulfite restriction analysis techniques were applied for methylation analysis. Results: For DNMT3B, the T allele and the TT genotype were detected more frequently in the periodontitis group, as well as the methylated profile on the miR-9-1 promoter region. There was also a tendency towards promoter region methylation on the CAT sequence of individuals with periodontal disease. Conclusion: The polymorphism −149C→T in DNMT3B (rs2424913) and the methylated profile of the miR-9-1 promoter region are associated with periodontitis.

Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on periodontal repair in rats with arthritis and induced periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on periodontal repair in rats with induced periodontitis and arthritis. METHODOLOGY: Forty-five rats were submitted to periodontitis induction by insertion of ligatures into the upper second molars, maintained for 15 days. These animals were randomly allocated to 3 groups according to the presence of induced arthritis (ART) and the application of the ASU: Control (CTR) group-healthy animals, where saline solution was administered; ART-animals with induced arthritis, where saline solution was administered; ART/ASU-animals with induced arthritis, where ASU (0.6 mg/ kg) was administered. The drugs were administered daily by gavage and the animals were euthanized after 7, 15 and 30 days of the ligature removal. Bone resorption, inflammatory infiltrate composition and marker proteins expression of the differentiation and formation of osteoclasts (RANKL and TRAP) were assessed. RESULTS: The ART/ASU group presented higher bone volume than the ART group at 7 and 30 days after the ligature removal. Furthermore, the ART group presented higher quantity of inflammatory cells and expression of TRAP and RANKL than the other groups. CONCLUSION: ASU administration improves the repair of periodontal tissues in an experimental periodontitis model in rats with induced arthritis.

Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on periodontal repair in rats with arthritis and induced periodontitis

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on periodontal repair in rats with induced periodontitis and arthritis. Methodology: Forty-five rats were submitted to periodontitis induction by insertion of ligatures into the upper second molars, maintained for 15 days. These animals were randomly allocated to 3 groups according to the presence of induced arthritis (ART) and the application of the ASU: Control (CTR) group-healthy animals, where saline solution was administered; ART-animals with induced arthritis, where saline solution was administered; ART/ASU-animals with induced arthritis, where ASU (0.6 mg/ kg) was administered. The drugs were administered daily by gavage and the animals were euthanized after 7, 15 and 30 days of the ligature removal. Bone resorption, inflammatory infiltrate composition and marker proteins expression of the differentiation and formation of osteoclasts (RANKL and TRAP) were assessed. Results: The ART/ASU group presented higher bone volume than the ART group at 7 and 30 days after the ligature removal. Furthermore, the ART group presented higher quantity of inflammatory cells and expression of TRAP and RANKL than the other groups. Conclusion: ASU administration improves the repair of periodontal tissues in an experimental periodontitis model in rats with induced arthritis.

Expressão de MMP-13 e ativação de vias de sinalização intracelular em dois modelos de doença periodontal induzida experimentalmente em ratos / MMP-13 expression and signaling pathways activated in two models of experimentally-induced periodontal disease in rats

A progressão da doença periodontal é marcada pela excessiva produção de citocinas que, por sua vez, promove o aumento de outros mediadores inflamatórios, entre os quais, de metaloproteinases de matriz (MMPs). MMP-13 é uma colagenase de regulação complexa que tem sido relacionada à degradação da matriz extracelular (ECM) e à reabsorção óssea em diversas condições inflamatórias, incluindo doença periodontal e artrite reumatóide. A regulação da expressão gênica requer a ativação de várias vias de sinalização através da interação de receptores celulares específicos a estímulos externos, como antígenos bacterianos e citocinas derivadas do hospedeiro. A complexidade da rede de citocinas estabelecida durante a progressão da doença periodontal depende das vias de sinalização ativadas, as quais são influenciadas pela natureza do estímulo extracelular. Considerando o papel fundamental das vias de sinalização no controle da expressão gênica de citocinas e a relevante atividade de MMP-13 na doença periodontal, este estudo avaliou a expressão de MMP-13 e as vias de sinalização ativadas durante o curso de dois modelos de doença periodontal induzida experimentalmente. A expressão de MMP-13 nos níveis de RNA mensageiro (mRNA) e proteína foram avaliados por RT-PCR e Western Blot, respectivamente. A cinética de ativação das vias de sinalização intracelular relacionadas à expressão de mediadores inflamatórios também foi verificada por Western Blot. Estes achados foram relacionados à severidade da reação inflamatória determinada por estereometria. Dois modelos experimentais foram usados: injeção de LPS e colocação de ligadura. Injeções de LPS de Eschericia coli foram realizadas na região palatina de molares superiores 2 vezes por semana (30 µg por aplicação). Ligaduras foram colocadas na região cervical dos primeiros molares inferiores. O grupo controle recebeu injeções de PBS (veículo) na gengiva palatina dos primeiros molares superiores, enquanto ligaduras não foram colocadas nos molares inferiores. Amostras foram coletadas 5, 15 e 30 dias após a indução da doença periodontal e processadas para extração de RNA total e proteína, assim como rotineiramente processadas para análise histológica/estereométrica. Um aumento significante da severidade da inflamação foi observado em ambos os modelos já no período de 5 dias. Entretanto, o modelo de ligadura mostrou uma diminuição da intensidade da inflamação aos 30 dias, que não foi observada no modelo de injeção de LPS. O perfil de expressão dos níveis de mRNA de MMP-13, assim como a cinética das vias de sinalização ativadas durante o curso da doença periodontal foram distintos segundo o modelo experimental mas, em geral, acompanharam a severidade do processo inflamatório. De forma interessante, não houve correlação entre os níveis protéicos e de mRNA de MMP-13 em ambos os modelos, sugerindo uma regulação pós­transcricional da expressão de MMP-13 in vivo. Além disso, p38 e ERK MAPkinases, assim como NF- B foram ativadas nos dois modelos de doença periodontal, embora com cinética distinta; enquanto ativação de STAT3 e STAT5 foi verificada apenas no modelo de ligadura. Estes achados sugerem uma ativação diferencial de receptores celulares em cada forma de indução da doença periodontal, o que determina diferenças temporais e qualitativas nas redes de sinalização intracelular ativadas e influencia a regulação da expressão gênica de MMP-13 em cada modelo experimental

The hallmark of destructive periodontal disease progression is the overproduction of cytokines which promotes the increased expression of other inflammatory mediators such as, MMPs. MMP-13 is a collagenase of complex gene regulation that has been implicated on ECM degradation and bone resorption in several inflammatory conditions, including periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Regulation of gene expression requires the activation of several signaling pathways through receptor-ligand binding of external stimuli represented by bacterial antigens and/or host-derived cytokines. The complexity of the cytokine network established during periodontal disease progression results from the signaling pathways activated, which are determined by the nature of external stimuli. Thus, considering the fundamental role of signaling pathways on regulation of cytokine gene expression and the relevant role of MMP-13 in periodontal disease, this study evaluated the expression of MMP-13 and the signaling pathways activated during the course of two experimentallyinduced periodontal disease models. Expression of MMP-13 at mRNA and protein levels was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot, respectively. The activation kinetics of some signaling pathways that are related to the expression of inflammatory mediators was also verified by Western Blot. The two experimental models used were: LPS injections and placement of ligatures. Bi-weekly injections of Eschericia coli LPS were done into the palatal aspect of upper molars (30 µg per injection). Ligatures were placed at the cervical portion of both lower first molars. The control animals received injections of PBS vehicle on the palatal gingiva of upper molars, whereas no ligatures were placed on the lower molars. Samples were collected 5, 15 and 30 days after beginning of periodontal disease induction and processed for extraction of total RNA and protein, as well as routinely processed for histology/estereometry. A significant increase on the severity of inflammation was observed in both experimental models already at the 5-day period. However, the ligature model presented a significant decrease on the intensity of inflammation at the 30-day period, which was not observed with the LPS injection model. MMP-13 expression profile, as well as the kinetic of signaling pathways activated during periodontal disease were somewhat different according to each experimental model, however paralleled the severity of inflammation. Interestingly, there was no transcription-translation coupling for MMP-13 in both models, suggesting a post­transcriptional regulation of MMP13 expression in vivo. Moreover, p38 and ERK MAPkinases, as well as NF-kB were activated in both periodontal disease models, however with different kinetics, whereas activation of STAT3 and STAT5 was verified only on the ligature model. These findings suggest a differential activation of cellular receptors in each model of experimentally-induced periodontal disease, which results in temporal and qualitative differences on the signaling network and influences MMP-13 gene regulation in each experimental model