AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the expression of microbial nucleic acid receptors including Toll like receptor 9 “TLR-9”, DNA-dependent activator of interferon-regulatory factors “DAI” and absent in melanoma “AIM-2” in chronic periodontitis (P) versus healthy (H) tissues. METHODS: 33 chronic periodontitis (P) and 27 periodontally-healthy (H) gingival biopsies were included. The gene and protein expression for each receptor was determined using real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Our results revealed statistically significant up-regulation of TLR-9 (p<0.006) and DAI (p<0.001) gene expression in P tissues compared to H sites. We were also able to demonstrate significant correlation among three DNA receptors (p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry further confirmed the expression of DNA sensors in gingival tissues. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a possible role for nucleic acid sensing in periodontal inflammation. Further investigations will determine whether cytoplasmic receptors and their ligands can be targeted to improve clinical outcomes in periodontitis.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:vcu.edu/oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-4128 |
Date | 29 April 2013 |
Creators | Voth, Stephanie |
Publisher | VCU Scholars Compass |
Source Sets | Virginia Commonwealth University |
Detected Language | English |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf |
Source | Theses and Dissertations |
Rights | © The Author |
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