Epigenetic Biomarkers in the Omics Era: New Perspectives on Periodontitis Diagnosis and Management
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: highlight the role of epigenetics in systemic and localized diseases, including periodontitis.9 Biomarkers, measurable indicators of biological processes, are crucial for understanding health, disease progression, and treatment outcomes.Advances in omics technologies have driven biomarker research in periodontology, promising early detection, personalized treatment, and therapy monitoring.However, clinical integration faces challenges due to validation and standardization hurdles.10 IntroductIonOral diseases affect around 3.5 billion people worldwide, with periodontal disease (PD) ranked as the sixth most common condition globally.1 PD includes various gingival disorders, with periodontitis characterized by persistent inflammation caused by bacterial colonization as a major concern.Key risk factors include genetics, environmental conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and epigenetic mechanisms influencing individual vulnerability. 2 If untreated, PD can lead to loose teeth, difficulty chewing, tooth loss, and changes in appearance.They are also linked to systemic issues like cardiovascular complications, low birth weight, and poor glycemic control in diabetics, increasing the global healthcare burden.3 Periodontitis extends beyond being just an oral health issue; it has systemic implications and is recognized as a risk factor for the onset or worsening of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes, 4 rheumatoid arthritis, 5 and cardiovascular disease.6 Periodontitis has been linked to a higher risk of oral cancer, with both conditions sharing mechanisms like oxidative stress and epigenetic dysregulation.Bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, associated with periodontitis, may colonize tumors and promote tumorigenesis.This highlights the need for therapies targeting shared pathways in both diseases.7 The dynamic epigenetic landscape, bridging genes and environmental factors, plays a crucial role in human health.It regulates gene function across cellular generations without altering the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence.8 Emerging technologies like CRISPR-dCas9, which enable precise epigenetic editing, are demonstrating potential for targeting and modifying disease-specific epigenetic alterations.These advancements not only revolutionize cancer therapy but also
Source: World Journal of Dentistry
Institutions: Hamad Medical Corporation, Saveetha University
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413878224