# Unveiling dickkopf-1 in periodontitis progression- A review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how the protein Dickkopf-1 contributes to periodontitis by affecting bone health and suggests it could be a target for treatment.

## Contribution

The paper provides a novel review of Dickkopf-1's role in periodontitis and its potential as a therapeutic target.

## Key findings

- Dickkopf-1 inhibits Wnt signaling, reducing osteoblast activity and promoting bone resorption in periodontitis.
- Neutralizing Dickkopf-1 may support bone regeneration and improve alveolar bone health in periodontitis patients.

## Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection causing tissue damage, bone loss and tooth mobility and thus, impacting quality of
life. It is influenced by factors like plaque, genetics and immune response, driving inflammation and tissue destruction. Dickkopf-1
inhibits the wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signalling pathway, reducing osteoblast activity and promoting
osteoclast formation, leading to bone resorption. Neutralizing Dickkopf-1 activity may facilitate bone regeneration, suggesting its
potential as a target for periodontitis treatment. Therefore, it is of interest to review the role of Dickkopf-1 in periodontitis for
understanding its impact on alveolar bone resorption highlighting its therapeutic potential in improving alveolar bone health.