Signal-Transducing Adaptor Proteins in Periodontal Disease

This study will look at certain proteins in the gums, saliva, and gum fluid of people with healthy gums, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation), or periodontitis (more severe gum disease). The proteins to be studied called STAP-1, STAP-2, STAT3, STAT5A, NLRP3, and CASP3, are known to be involved in inflammation and cell health in other diseases, but their role in gum disease is not well understood. Seventy-five healthy adults will be grouped by their gum health status. Samples of saliva and gum fluid will be collected and tested, and gum tissue samples will be collected from a subset of participants during routine dental treatment. Researchers will measure the levels of these proteins and look for patterns linking them to the severity of gum disease. The results are expected to show whether these proteins are found at different levels in people with periodontitis compared to those with healthy gums, suggesting they may play a role in how gum disease develops and progresses. This information may help researchers better understand the biological processes behind periodontal disease and could eventually contribute to new ways of detecting or treating it.