Transcriptome and methylome analysis of periodontitis and peri-implantitis with tobacco use

Abstract

Peri-implantitis is similar to periodontitis in both symptoms and treatment; however, their level of similarity remains controversial. Here, we compared multiple cases of periodontitis and peri-implantitis through transcriptome and methylome profiling, and analyzed the effects of smoking as a typical risk factor. Human gingival tissues were obtained from 20 patients with periodontitis or peri-implantitis via periodontal surgical procedures. Total RNA and genomic DNA were isolated, and transcriptome and methylome datasets were generated. Comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression, DNA methylation, and protein–protein interactions indicated that periodontitis and peri-implantitis share biological similarities; however, hierarchical clustering between the two disease groups revealed distinct molecular characteristics. These differences might be related to structural differences in natural tooth-bone and implant-bone. Additionally, smoking differentially affected periodontitis and peri-implantitis in terms of host-defense mechanism impairment. Within the limitations of this study, the results provide evidence that peri-implantitis is distinct from periodontitis and that smoking potentially affects disease progression. Our study provides a foundation for the rational design of a large-scale study in the future for a more comprehensive analysis that includes microbiome and clinical data.