Epigenetics and Stem Cells Applications in Periodontal Therapy

Abstract

While periodontitis is closely linked with pathogen outgrowth, many patients have the risk of recurrence after therapy. Variations of inflammatory genes are associated with an increased susceptibility of periodontitis. Epigenetics can regulate these gene expression. In this chapter, we will highlight on the potential role of epigenetic changes in different facets, more particularly in genes involved in inflammation. Epigenetics act through remodeling of chromatin and can selectively activate or inactivate genes, determining their expression. Epigenetics could play an essential role in understanding the mechanism of gene-environment interactions, and the factors which stimulate periodontitis and reduce its response to therapy are now the subject of many studies. Also, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising source to regenerate periodontal tissues. They could be a good alternative to the adopted therapies, ignoring the artificial biomaterial limitations. They could be considered as a natural process for periodontium regeneration and has an immunomodulatory role to resolute the infection. For this reason, it is necessary to investigate and evaluate MSCs applicability in humans, and their clinical approach involved in regeneration of periodontal tissues.