Perspective: obesity, inflammation, and oral infections: are microRNAs the missing link?

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

MicroRNAs may have a role in inflammatory processes including periodontal diseases.

Main

D'Aiuto F, Suvan J. J Dent Res 2012; 91: 5–7

In rich countries, one in three adults are obese. The authors suggest obesity could have almost apocalyptic effects with threats 'comparable with global warming or swine flu.' Adipocytes 'exert a number of endocrine functions, resulting in a state of low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance'. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators that function by gene silencing. These are potential regulators of adipogenesis. In experimental animal models and studies on human subjects with periodontitis, gingival biopsies show dramatic increase in miRNAs. The authors propose that links between obesity and periodontitis 1) could be mediated via altered expression of miRNAs, 2) inducing insulin resistance, or 3) changes in the periodontal plaque biofilm. It is predicted the development of gene regulators could be used in the treatment of a number of chronic conditions including obesity and periodontitis.