AIM2-Driven Inflammation in Periodontitis: Mechanisms and Systemic Implications.

Abstract

Background and objective: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can be associated with systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the role of AIM2, a key inflammasome component, in periodontitis, focusing on its involvement in inflammation, DNA repair, and systemic disease links.

Methods: AIM2 expression was analyzed in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from periodontitis patients. A mouse periodontitis model and in vitro gingival fibroblast experiments were used to study AIM2's role. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis explored AIM2's systemic disease associations.

Results: AIM2 was significantly upregulated in periodontitis patients and models, correlating with increased IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1. Immunofluorescence revealed AIM2's nuclear localization and co-localization with inflammatory markers. GSEA linked high AIM2 expression to cardiovascular diseases, while its suppression showed protective effects. PPI analysis identified interactions with DNA repair proteins (THOC2, SETX, ATM), suggesting a role in genomic stability and systemic disease.

Conclusion: AIM2 drives local inflammation in periodontitis and may connect periodontitis to systemic diseases via DNA repair and systemic inflammation. This highlights AIM2 as a potential therapeutic target for managing periodontitis and associated systemic risks.

Clinical significance: Targeting AIM2 could offer a dual therapeutic strategy to control periodontal inflammation and mitigate systemic disease risks, such as cardiovascular disorders.