Exploring Antimicrobial Peptides in Preventive Dentistry: A Novel Approach to Oral Microbiome Management

Background: The oral microbiome plays a major role in maintaining oral health. Antimicrobial peptides like AMPs provide strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This study evaluated the expression levels of these genes in response to antimicrobial interventions for managing the oral microbiome. Methods: This cross-sectional study (June 2022 to December 2022) contained 60 subjects: healthy subjects (n = 20) and gingivitis patients (n = 40). OpenEpi 3.0.0. was used for sample size calculation. It was conducted at Baqai Medical University and analyzed at Liaquat College of Medicine and ISRA University Karachi. Total RNA was extracted and converted to cDNA for qRT-PCR analysis. The gene expression levels of HTN1 and HTN3, normalized to GAPDH, were analyzed. ANOVA and t-tests were used to assess statistical significance (p < 0.05). SPSS v20 was utilized to perform these tests. Results: Demographic variables like age, gender, smoking, and index did not differ significantly. qPCR revealed that chlorhexidine administration resulted in a 2.5 ± 0.31–fold and a 1.9 ± 0.27–fold increase in HTN1 and HTN3 expressions, respectively (p < 0.001). Application of fluoride resulted in a 1.8–fold increase in HTN1 (p < 0.01) and a 1.6–fold increase in HTN3 (p < 0.01), and LL-37 mimetics caused a 2.1–fold rise in HTN1 expression (p < 0.01) and a 1.7–fold elevation in HTN3 gene expression (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The administration of antimicrobial agents modifies HTN1 and HTN3 gene activity for potential use in managing oral diseases.