Comparison of periodontitis and peri-implantitis lesions in terms of apoptosis and autophagy

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that can result in tooth loss due to the destruction of the supporting tissue around the natural tooth. Dental implants are in increasing use due to their success in treating tooth loss. Peri-implantitis, a disease characterized by the destruction of supporting tissues around the implant, affects implant survival. Although periodontitis and peri-implantitis are characterized by inflammation, information on the pathophysiology of these two diseases is limited. In our study, it was aimed to examine in detail the effects of apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms that play a role in tissue destruction in patients with periodontitis and peri-implantitis, and to compare both groups with each other. 64 excisional biopsy materials were obtained from 52 patients. Plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss values of the patients were recorded before the operation. Biopsy materials taken; Stained with hematoxylin eosin, Mason 3-stain, Immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL staining methods. Preparations obtained as a result of dyeing were examined. The laboratory data obtained as a result of the examination and the data obtained from the patients before the operation were evaluated statistically. It was observed that when the plaque values of the patients increased, the levels of periodontitis and peri-implantitis also increased. It has been observed that the mesial and distal regions of the patients are more prone to plaque accumulation and non-clearance than the buccal, lingual / palatal regions, and as a result, the proximal region inflammation and tissue destruction are more common. It has been observed that the effectiveness of the natural tooth structure with epithelial barrier in preventing the disease creates a disadvantage in the direction of increased destruction after the disease starts. LC3 and Beclin-1 molecules, which are markers showing autophagy, were found to have higher values in the peri-implantitis patient group. The protective effect of autophagy against periodontal diseases was demonstrated by its negative correlation with gingival index and attachment loss values. It has been concluded that the destruction of connective tissue and bone tissue is slowed down thanks to its effect on autophagy defense cells. Unlike autophagy, apoptosis has been shown to be effective in favor of tissue destruction.