Guest Editors
Assoc. Prof. I-Ta Lee
Email: itlee0128@tmu.edu.tw
Affiliation: School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
Homepage:
Research Interests: inflammation, anti-inflammation, cancer, anti-cancer, cellular signaling, oxidative stress

Summary
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to the progressive destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, significantly impacting oral and systemic health. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying periodontal inflammation, tissue degradation, and regeneration is crucial for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. This special issue aims to explore the latest advances in periodontal disease research, with a particular focus on molecular signaling pathways, immune regulation, natural bioactive compounds, innovative non-invasive treatments, and tissue engineering approaches.
We welcome original research articles and reviews on topics including but not limited to:
1. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Periodontal Disease
· Key inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., NF-B, JAK-STAT, NLRP3 inflammasome) in periodontal tissue destruction
· Immune cell dynamics (macrophages, T cells, B cells) in periodontal inflammation and resolution
· Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in periodontal microenvironment
· Interactions between the oral microbiome and host immune response at the molecular level
2. Biomarkers for Early Detection and Disease Progression
· Identification of key cytokines, microRNAs, and metabolic markers in periodontal disease
· Omics approaches (proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell transcriptomics) in periodontal diagnostics
3. Natural Bioactive Compounds for Periodontal Therapy
· Monomeric active compounds (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, baicalin, salvianolic acids) in regulating periodontal inflammation and oxidative stress
· Key bioactive components from herbal formulations and their effects on periodontal fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and immune cells
· Modulation of the oral microbiome and host immune response by natural compounds
4. Innovative Non-Invasive Therapies and Their Molecular Mechanisms
· Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and its impact on periodontal pathogens and host cell responses
· Cold plasma technology and its cellular effects, including proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokine regulation
· Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and its role in modulating periodontal regeneration at the molecular level
5. Cellular Engineering and Biomaterials for Periodontal Regeneration
· Stem cell-based strategies (PDLSCs, DPSCs, MSCs) for periodontal tissue repair and their molecular regulatory mechanisms
· Biomaterials (nanocomposites, hydrogels, bioactive scaffolds) and their interactions with periodontal cells
· The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes in periodontal tissue regeneration
6. Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health: Cellular and Molecular Insights
· Periodontal disease and diabetes: Effects of hyperglycemia on periodontal cells and AGE-RAGE signaling
· Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disorders: Impact of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, CRP) on endothelial and smooth muscle cells
· Periodontal disease and neurodegeneration: Influence of periodontal pathogens and metabolites on neuroinflammation and neuronal function
We invite researchers in the fields of periodontology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and biomaterials to contribute their latest findings to this special issue. Manuscripts should provide insights into the molecular and cellular basis of periodontal disease and its treatment. We look forward to your contributions!
Keywords
periodontal inflammation, molecular signaling pathways, immune regulation, oxidative stress, biomarkers & omics approaches, natural bioactive compounds, non-invasive therapies, tissue engineering & regeneration