Impact of Circulating Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) as a Biomarker of the Development and Evolution of Periodontitis

Abstract

In the last few decades, circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been shown to have an important role in cell apoptosis or necrosis, including in the development and evolution of several tumors and inflammatory diseases in humans. In this regard, periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that can induce the destruction of supporting components of the teeth, could represent a chronic inflammatory stimulus linked to a various range of systemic inflammatory diseases. Recently, a possible correlation between periodontal disease and cfDNA has been shown, representing new important diagnostic–therapeutic perspectives. During the development of periodontitis, cfDNA is released in biological fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and other body fluids and represents an important index of inflammation. Due to the possibility of withdrawing some of these liquids in a non-invasive way, cfDNA could be used as a possible biomarker for periodontal disease. In addition, discovering a proportional relationship between cfDNA levels and the severity of periodontitis, expressed through the disease extent, could open the prospect of using cfDNA as a possible therapeutic target. The aim of this article is to report what researchers have discovered in recent years about circulating cfDNA in the development, evolution and therapy of periodontitis. The analyzed literature review shows that cfDNA has considerable potential as a diagnostic, therapeutic biomarker and therapeutic target in periodontal disease; however, further studies are needed for cfDNA to be used in clinical practice.

A new direction in periodontitis treatment: biomaterial-mediated macrophage immunotherapy

“…Positively charged nanoparticles known as cationic nanomaterials function as cell-free nucleic acid scavengers to reduce inflammation in tissues [ 164 ]. In patients with periodontitis, the level of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the gingival sulcus fluid correlates with the degree of periodontitis [ 165 ]. For this reason, Huang et al [ 111 ] designed a cfDNA scavenger.…”

Effect of Local Clinoptilolite Application on Various Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameters in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Blood in Periodontal Tissue Inflammation in Dogs

“…In association with the development of the immune response in patients, changes occur in the connective tissue and bone tissue with cellular activation. In cases of moderate to severe periodontitis, the destruction of the gum tissue and local and systemic in ammatory reactions lead to the emergence of oxidative stress in patients (3,4).…”

Therapeutic Effects of PEG-Modified Polyamide Amine Dendrimer for Cell Free DNA Adsorption in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis

“…Present in various bodily fluids, cfDNA concentrations fluctuate with tissue damage, cancer, and inflammation, making it a valuable noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing and prognosticating various diseases. In tissues, cfDNA is involved in the progression of several inflammatory-related diseases, such as periodontitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. − Recent studies have revealed a significant increase in cfDNA levels in patients with osteoarthritis, where inhibition of cfDNA has been linked to reduced cartilage damage . Therefore, cfDNA may play a crucial role in the inflammatory development of TMJ OA; however, the specific pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear.…”