The Gingivitis-Human Genome Connection

Gingivitis—which may affect more than one-half of the U.S. adult population— is a condition commonly attributed to lapses in basic oral hygiene habits. However, a new study shows that development and reversal of gingivitis at the molecular level is apparently much more complicated than its causes might indicate. Research conducted jointly by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and P&G Oral Care has found that more than 9,000 genes, nearly 30% of the genes found in the human body, are expressed differently during the onset and healing process associated with gingivitis.

According to the research, biological pathways associated with activation of the immune system were found to be the major pathways being activated and critical to controlling the body’s reaction to plaque build-up on the teeth. Additionally, other gene expression pathways activated during plaque overgrowth include those involved in wound healing, neural processes and skin turnover.

Results of the study are published in the December 2009 edition of the Journal of Periodontology. This study is the first to successfully identify gene expression and biological pathways involved with the onset and healing process of gingivitis, according to P&G.

“Data generated by the study will be crucial in developing new approaches to treating gingivitis,” said Leslie Winston, co-author of the study and director of professional and scientific Rrlations at P&G Oral Care. “We plan to conduct additional research to identify biomarkers of gum disease in at risk individuals and hope that this will lead to new and more advanced treatment options and preventative measures.”