Age-dependent differential expression of apoptosis markers in the gingival tissue

ObjectiveThe current study was performed to test the hypothesis that periodontal disease produces age-dependent activation of apoptotic markers in the gingival tissues.MethodsTo address the hypothesis a prospective experimental study was designed and twenty-two patients were enrolled. Out of the twenty-two patients, gingival tissue biopsies samples were obtained from active sites of ten and twelve periodontal-healthy (HS) and periodontal disease (PD, probing depths >5 mm patients, respectively. The groups were further divided into 25–50 and <5 years age subgroups.ResultsA significant decrease in the expression of TRADD (Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Death Domain) was observed in 25–50 years of PD group compared to the HS group. Bax (BCL2-associated X protein) expression in the PD groups was significantly decreased in PD 25–50 years age group but increased in the >50 years age group compared to respective HS age groups. PD patients of both 25–50 years and >50 years age exhibited a significant increase in the expression of Cytochrome C and Caspase-3 compared to the respective HS groups. The PD patients exhibited a stronger correlation with age in the expression of TRADD and Bax compared to the HS groups. Further analyses revealed that the expression of Caspase-3 correlated with an increase in the age of the healthy patients.ConclusionsThe data suggested that modulation of apoptotic cascade may contribute to the damage of gingival tissues particularly in PD patients >50 years age.