Department of Periodontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
Int J Dent Hyg. 2014 Feb;12(1):48-54. doi: 10.1111/idh.12030. Epub 2013 Jun 4.
The immune response is influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as disease and environmental factors. The term 'epigenetics' describes changes in the genome that influence the gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. In contrast to genetic changes in the DNA, epigenetic changes are reversible and are influenced by environmental factors. The aim of this study is to review the literature on epigenetic modifications with respect to oral health and inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity and to discuss the potential use of this new research field for the dental hygienists' and/or dentists' clinical work. Relevant publications were identified using the PubMed database without limits. The searches were conducted during January to March 2012 and resulted in articles published between 1912 and 2012. Key factors such as environment, diet, smoking, bacteria and inflammation were identified to be relevant to oral health. The result of this review article shows that there is a void in the research on epigenetics in relation to oral health. Identification of epigenetic modifications correlating with oral health may not only present a link between the influence of genetics and that of the environment on oral diseases but also provide new treatment models and tools for the dental professionals.
免疫反应受遗传和表观遗传因素、疾病和环境因素的影响。“表观遗传学”一词描述了基因组的变化，这些变化影响基因表达而不改变 DNA 序列。与 DNA 中的遗传变化相比，表观遗传变化是可逆的，并受环境因素的影响。本研究旨在回顾有关口腔健康和口腔炎症状态下的表观遗传修饰的文献，并讨论这一新研究领域对口腔卫生士和/或牙医临床工作的潜在应用。使用 PubMed 数据库无限制地确定相关出版物。搜索于 2012 年 1 月至 3 月进行，结果为 1912 年至 2012 年期间发表的文章。环境、饮食、吸烟、细菌和炎症等关键因素被确定与口腔健康有关。这篇综述文章的结果表明，在与口腔健康相关的表观遗传学研究方面存在空白。确定与口腔健康相关的表观遗传修饰不仅可以揭示遗传和环境对口腔疾病的影响之间的联系，还可以为口腔专业人员提供新的治疗模式和工具。
