Application of the miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in periodontal inflammation

Inflammatory and host immunological responses to bacterial tooth infections contribute to the development of periodontal disease. MiRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in regulating these immunological and inflammatory responses. miRNAs influence both innate and adaptive immunity in periodontal disease, affecting the functions of T and B cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. This review examines the regulatory roles of miRNAs in periodontal tissues and evaluates their potential as therapeutic agents and biomarkers. Upregulated miRNAs identified include miR-146a, miR-29, miR-15, miR-148, and miR-223, while miR-31, miR-92, and miR-451 are downregulated. The review emphasizes the altered expression of miRNAs in periodontitis models. Selective targeting of miRNA pathways, enabled by gain or loss-of-function approaches, represents a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, the stability of miRNAs in gingival crevicular fluid and their association with specific features of periodontal disease underscore their potential as indicators of disease progression or tissue recovery.