Investigation of the role of salt-inducible kinases in periodontal disease

Objective: SIK1, SIK2, and SIK3 are kinases belonging to the adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase family and play crucial roles in the regulation of inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of the SIK family proteins in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease by comparing their levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva under periodontal health and disease conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 systemically healthy, non-smoking individuals were included in the study and classified into three groups: periodontally healthy (Group H; n = 25 [13 males and 12 females]), gingivitis (Group G; n = 25 [13 males and 12 females]), and periodontitis (Group P; n = 25 [13 males and 12 females]). Levels of IL- 10, TNF-α, NF-κB, SIK1, SIK2, and SIK3 in GCF and saliva samples were analyzed using ELISA. Results: In the periodontitis group, compared to healthy controls, SIK1 levels in both GCF (total amount) and saliva were increased, whereas SIK2 and SIK3 levels were decreased (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between TNF-α and NF-κB levels and the total amount of SIK1 in GCF, whereas a negative correlation was detected with the total amounts of SIK2 and SIK3 in GCF. Conclusion: SIK1, SIK2, and SIK3 may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. SIK proteins may be associated with TNF-α and NF-κB in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Keywords: Inflammation, Periodontitis, SIK-1, SIK-2, SIK-3