The expression profile and clinical relevance of miR-486-5p in individuals with chronic periodontitis

Abstract Objectives The development of chronic periodontitis (CP) is closely connected with the abnormal expression of microRNA. Here, we attempted to determine the levels of miR-486-5p in CP patients and to evaluate the function of miR-486-5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). Methods A total of 80 patients with CP and 100 periodontally healthy individuals were enrolled. Gingival crevicular fluid samples (GCFs) were collected. PDLCs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an in vitro model of cells mimicking CP. The GCFs miR-486-5p expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The receiver operating characteristic curve was conducted to explore the diagnostic utility of miR-486-5p. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors were assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interactions between miRNA and targets were investigated by dual luciferase reporter assay. Results The expression of miR-486-5p was increased in CP patients compared to controls. The area under the curve value was 0.878, which had a certain diagnostic value in CP. In vitro, cell experiments confirmed that the elevation of miR-486-5p diminished cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Similarly, overexpression of miR-486-5p stimulated the release of inflammatory cytokines. PTEN was the target of miR-486-5p. Conclusions miR-468-5p had a certain value and significance as a biomarker for CP diagnosis, and its elevated expression correlates with the progression of the disease.