Evaluation of transcription factor that regulates T helper 17 and regulatory T cells function in periodontal health and disease

BACKGROUND: The differentiation of naοve T helper (Th) cells towards Th17 and regulatory T cells (Treg) is regulated by the transcription factors retinoic acid related orphan receptor gamma transcription (RORYt) and Forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), respectively. An imbalance in the activity of these transcription factors could result in the dysregulation of Th17/Treg response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from gingival tissue obtained from 10 patients, each from periodontally healthy and diseased groups. The gene expression of RORYt and Foxp3 was measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerization chain reaction using total RNA isolates from gingival tissues group when compared to the healthy group, while Foxp3 demonstrated a 6.68 ± 0.03 fold decrease of expression in diseased group when compared to healthy group. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a functional imbalance in the Th17/Treg response in periodontal disease group when compared to the periodontally healthy group.