The role of genome-wide DNA methylation and polymorphisms in periodontitis etiology: A narrative review

Authors

  • Elena Jovanova University Dental Clinical Center St. Pantelejmon, Skopje, Faculty of Dentistry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia; Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
  • Angela Angjelova University Dental Clinical Center St. Pantelejmon, Skopje, Faculty of Dentistry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia; Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
  • Alessandro Polizzi Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; International Research Center on Periodontal and Systemic Health “PerioHealth”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
  • Gaetano Isola Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; International Research Center on Periodontal and Systemic Health “PerioHealth”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bb.2025.12646

Keywords:

DNA methylation, periodontitis, GWAS, genetic polymorphisms, epigenetic mechanisms

Abstract

Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Recent advancements in genomic and epigenomic research have highlighted the role of genetic polymorphisms and genome-wide DNA methylation in its pathogenesis. DNA methylation regulates gene expression, affecting immune responses and inflammatory pathways, while genetic polymorphisms may predispose individuals to altered host-microbial interactions and increased susceptibility to periodontal destruction. Recent studies have identified promising periodontal biomarkers, including specific genetic and epigenetic markers, that may aid in early diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of disease progression. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the etiology of periodontitis, with a focus on genome-wide DNA methylation and genetic polymorphisms. It also explores their potential implications for disease pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies. Future research directions include integrative multi-omics approaches to better understand the complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Such efforts aim to support the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. Overall, this review underscores the critical role of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and emphasizes the need to translate these findings into clinical practice through molecular diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.

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Published

03-07-2025

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Section

Review

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How to Cite

1.
The role of genome-wide DNA methylation and polymorphisms in periodontitis etiology: A narrative review. Biomol Biomed [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 3 [cited 2025 Jul. 7];. Available from: https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/12646