Osteolectin/ CLEC11A ‐Related Signaling Molecules in Periodontitis and Peri‐Implantitis

OBJECTIVE: Periodontal and peri-implant tissues differ histologically and biomechanically, which may be reflected in local osteogenic and mechanosensitive signaling. This exploratory cross-sectional study aimed to compare expression profiles of Osteolectin (CLEC11A) and related signaling molecules across periodontal health, peri-implant health, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis. METHODS: There were four groups: Periodontal Health (PH), Peri-Implant Health (PIH), Periodontitis (P), and Peri-Implantitis (PID). CLEC11A, integrin alpha-11 (ITGA11), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component-1 (PIEZO1) levels in gingival/peri-implant crevicular fluids (GCF/PICF) were assessed using ELISA. CLEC11A, ITGA11, GSK-3β, β-catenin, runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), and PIEZO1 expressions in gingival and peri-implant mucosa tissues were assessed using qRT-PCR. RESULTS: GCF/PICF CLEC11A levels differed significantly among the groups, with higher levels in P and PID than in PH. Similarly, ITGA11 expression was significantly higher in P and PID relative to PH. β-catenin expression varied significantly, with higher levels in PIH and P than in PH. Additionally, RUNX2 expression differed significantly, with higher expression in PIH, P, and PID than in PH. Furthermore, PIEZO1 expression was significantly higher in P compared to PIH. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, CLEC11A-related signals appear to be differentially associated with periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory conditions.