Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate apoptotic changes in gingival tissues at different stages of periodontitis and to assess their role in disease progression. Methods: Gingival tissue samples were obtained from periodontally healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with periodontitis based on the American Academy of Periodontology 2017 classification. Patients with stage II to stage IV periodontitis were included. Tissue samples were collected during routine dental procedures, and apoptotic changes were assessed using the Comet assay to evaluate DNA damage. Comparative analysis was performed between healthy and diseased groups, as well as across different stages of periodontitis. Results: Gingival tissues from periodontitis patients demonstrated a significant increase in DNA damage compared to periodontally healthy controls. The extent of apoptotic changes showed a progressive increase with advancing stages of periodontal disease, indicating a correlation between apoptosis and disease severity. Conclusions: Apoptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontitis. Increased apoptotic activity in gingival tissues may contribute to tissue destruction and disease advancement. Understanding apoptosis-related pathways may aid in identifying key pathogenic mechanisms and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
Mol et al. (Thu,) studied this question.