Comprehensive Proteomic Exploratory of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Identifies Complement and Neutrophil-Associated Alterations in Gingivitis and Periodontitis Progression

ABSTRACT: Aim: To provide an exploratory proteomic characterization of periodontal disease-related immune pathways by analyzing gingival crevicular fluid, revealing subtle proteomic changes accompanying disease progression. Materials and methods: Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from normal (control group), gingivitis, and periodontitis cohorts. Seventy-two samples were investigated, including those from normal (n=12), gingivitis (n=30) and periodontitis (n=30) groups. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and sequential statistical analyses including differential expression, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and protein–protein interaction networks, evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Results: We identified 649 proteins. Differential expression analysis revealed several regulated proteins, including RAC2, S100A12, and LCN2, in the periodontitis group. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis clustered six protein modules: M1 module was enriched in complement proteins and prominent in gingivitis, whereas neutrophil-related M2 and M5 modules were correlated with periodontitis severity. Protein–protein interaction network analyses revealed hub proteins, including RAC2 and S100A12, highlighting their functional associations. Receiver operating characteristic analysis supported their within-cohort discriminatory potential for selected proteins. Conclusion: This exploratory study suggested the pathophysiological differences in proteome between gingivitis and periodontitis, establishing a foundation for future investigations and hypothesis-driven research.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Gingival Fluid

DISEASE(S): Periodontitis,Gingivitis

SUBMITTER: Jeong-hun Mok  

LAB HEAD: Jong-Moon Park

PROVIDER: PXD065250 | Pride | 2026-01-05

REPOSITORIES: Pride