Role Of Apoptotic Marker Caspase 3 In Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are characterized by the inflammation and destruction of supporting tissues of the teeth. Periodontitis is initiated by bacterial accumulation between the gingiva and teeth, which triggers an inflammatory-immune response within the host. In susceptible individuals, the initial acute inflammatory response fails to resolve, and a dysregulated chronic inflammation ensues, which destroys the supporting connective tissues surrounding the teeth. Caspases are cysteine protease enzymes that are commonly involved in apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammation, systemic diseases, and as well as in periodontal diseases. Caspase 3 is a cysteine protease enzyme that plays a major role in periodontal disease progression. Emerging evidence now suggests a strong relationship between the extent and severity of periodontal disease and caspase 3 activation. In this review, the mechanisms of caspase activation and influence of caspase 3 and its corresponding CASP 3 gene in periodontal disease has been described in detail.CASP3 gene polymorphism in periodontitis has also been highlighted.