Identification of gene differences between dogs with poor periodontal scores compared dogs with good periodontal scores

Abstract

Fifty‐six (> 1 years of age) spayed/neutered beagles were identified for this study. Dogs were scored for periodontal lesions and fed commercially available adult foods. At the time around scoring, a blood sample was drawn into a PAXgene Blood RNA tube. RNA was extracted according to the procedures provided in the PAXgene Blood RNA Kit Handbook (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). RNA was hybridized to an Affymetrix GeneChip Canine‐2 Genome Arrays and normalized using Robust Multi‐Array Average. Transcripts having a P < 0.01 (following a false discovery rate adjustment value of 0.1) and a fold change range of at least 1.2 were considered different among the two groups. Analysis of the RNA found differences in 284 genes between the dogs with poor periodontal scores and dogs with good periodontal scores. Of the genes identified, 157 were up‐regulated and 127 down‐regulated in dogs with poor periodontal scores and dogs with good periodontal scores. Genes associated with inflammation process and pain response were increased, while cell adhesion and attachment, heavy metal binding, glycoprotein synthesis, and cytoskeleton structure support were decreased in dogs with poor periodontal scores compared to dogs with good periodontal scores.