Investigation of the role of various angiogenesis-related proteins in periodontal disease

Aim: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition in which angiogenesis plays a role. Kruppel-like factor-2 (KLF2) is a negative regulator of angiogenesis, while F-box and WD repeat domain-containing-7 (FBXW7) contributes to vascular development. Smoking affects periodontal vascularity and is a risk factor for periodontal disease. This study aims to investigate KLF2 and FBXW7 levels in GCF and saliva in individuals with different periodontal conditions, both smokers and non-smokers. Materials ve Methods: A total of 114 systemically healthy participants (58 females, 56 males) were categorized into six groups: periodontal healthy (non-smokers [Group S, n=19], smokers [Group S-S, n=19]), gingivitis (non-smokers [Group G, n=19], smokers [Group S-G, n=19]), and periodontitis (non-smokers [Group P, n=19], smokers [Group S-P, n=19]). VEGF, NF-κB, KLF2, and FBXW7 levels in GCF and saliva were analyzed using ELISA. Results: When non-smokers were compared, the total amount of VEGF, NF-κB, KLF2, and FBXW7 in GCF was higher in the Group P than Group H (p<0.05), while GCF concentrations were lower (p<0.05). The same findings were observed in the comparison of smoking groups (p<0.05). GCF FBXW7 concentrations were higher in Group S-S than in Group S (p<0.05). Salivary KLF2 levels were higher in Group S-G and Group S-P compared to Group G and Group P (p<0.05). Conclusion: KLF2 and FBXW7 may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Smoking may affect angiogenesis by increasing GCF FBXW7 concentration in the absence of periodontal disease. Smoking may alter angiogenesis by increasing salivary KLF2 in the presence of periodontal disease. Key Words: Smoking; Angiogenesis; VEGF; NF-κB; KLF2; FBXW7