Periodontal Inflammation Is Associated With Disruption of Gingival Circadian Clock Gene and Protein Expression in Individuals With Comparable Chronotype Profiles

Detailed Summary

This observational study aims to investigate whether periodontal inflammation is associated with alterations in the expression of circadian clock-related genes and proteins in gingival tissues. Circadian rhythms regulate many biological processes, including immune responses and inflammation. Although experimental studies suggest a link between circadian disruption and periodontal disease, human data under controlled chronotype conditions are limited. A total of 60 systemically healthy, non-smoking individuals aged 22-45 years with comparable sleep patterns (intermediate chronotype and 6-9 hours of sleep) were included. Participants were classified as periodontally healthy, gingivitis, or stage III grade B periodontitis according to established diagnostic criteria. Gingival tissue samples were collected during clinically indicated procedures within a standardized morning time window (09:00-11:00). Gene expression levels of circadian clock components (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1-3, CRY1-2, Rev-Erb-β, ROR-α) and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, IFN-γ, RANKL, OPG) were analyzed using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA techniques. Associations between molecular findings and clinical periodontal parameters were evaluated. The study seeks to clarify whether periodontal disease itself may disrupt local circadian regulatory mechanisms in gingival tissues.

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