Gene and protein profiling of Dickkopf-3 and complement factor H in periodontitis and coronary artery disease

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare demographic, periodontal, and cardiac parameters; Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3; rs11544817) and complement factor H (CFH; rs10737680) protein levels; and gene expression in patients with periodontitis with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) at baseline and following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Methods: A total of 140 participants were divided into the following four groups (n = 35 each): Group H, healthy individuals; Group P, periodontitis patients without systemic conditions; Group CAD, systemically compromised (CAD) but periodontally healthy individuals; and Group P + CAD, patients with both periodontitis and CAD. The baseline assessments included demographic details, periodontal and cardiac parameters, and protein/gene analysis from subgingival plaque and gingival tissue. NSPT was performed and assessments were conducted after 90 days. Results: Group P + CAD had higher age, weight, and BMI, and lower socioeconomic status. Periodontal and cardiac parameters improved after NSPT. DKK-3 levels decreased and CFH levels increased post-treatment. Both proteins strongly correlated with gene expression, independent of confounders. The regression analysis confirmed their significant association with periodontitis and CAD risk. Conclusion: The study found elevated DKK-3 (rs11544817) and reduced CFH (rs10737680) protein levels and gene expression in patients with periodontitis and CAD, suggesting that these genes regulate their respective proteins.