Metabolomics Research in Periodontal Disease by Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Periodontology is a newer field relative to other areas of dentistry. Remarkable progress has been made in recent years in periodontology in terms of both research and clinical applications, with researchers worldwide now focusing on periodontology. With recent advances in mass spectrometry technology, metabolomics research is now widely conducted in various research fields. Metabolomics, which is also termed metabolomic analysis, is a technology that enables the comprehensive analysis of small-molecule metabolites in living organisms. With the development of metabolite analysis, methods using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry, etc. have progressed, making it possible to analyze a wider range of metabolites and to detect metabolites at lower concentrations. Metabolomics is widely used for research in the food, plant, microbial, and medical fields. This paper provides an introduction to metabolomic analysis and a review of the increasing applications of metabolomic analysis in periodontal disease research using mass spectrometry technology.

Keywords: GC-MS; LC-MS/MS; metabolomics research; periodontal disease; periodontitis; proteomic analysis.

Figure 1

Periodontal tissue and other important factors. Periodontal tissue refers to the tissue that surrounds the teeth and supports their function. Periodontal tissue comprises cementum, gingiva, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. Periodontal disease is a general term for diseases that develop in periodontal supporting tissue. GCF, which is the fluid that exudes into the gingival sulcus and periodontal pockets, is thought to reflect the pathology of periodontal disease.

Figure 2

Relationship between periodontal disease and metabolic diseases. Metabolic disease groups that have been reported to be associated with periodontal disease include diabetes, obesity, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis.

Figure 3

We suggest that the above are involved in periodontal disease. Summary of important findings of these studies.