This study investigates the impact of smoking on pyroptosis and inflammatory signaling pathways in systemically healthy individuals with various periodontal conditions. The research compares smokers and non-smokers across three clinical categories, resulting in six study groups: Healthy Control, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis. The study specifically evaluates the levels of IL-1beta, IL-18, and NLRP3 through ELISA, and the gene expression of TLR1, TLR4, and TLR6 through RT-PCR, to understand how cigarette smoke modulates innate immune responses in the absence of other systemic diseases.

The aim of this research is to clarify the molecular link between tobacco use and pyroptotic cell death pathways in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. To eliminate systemic bias, only systemically healthy participants are included. The study design consists of 6 distinct groups based on a 2x3 matrix (Smoking Status: Yes/No × Periodontal Status: Healthy/Gingivitis/Periodontitis).

Protein levels of the NLRP3 inflammasome and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-18) are measured in periodontal tissues using the ELISA method. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptors (TLR1, TLR4, and TLR6) are analyzed via RT-PCR. These findings will help determine how smoking influences tissue destruction mechanisms specifically through the pyroptosis pathway in different stages of gum disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study,
• Smokers (gingivitis and stage 3/4 generalized periodontitis) and non-smokers (gingivitis and stage 3/4 generalized periodontitis) who applied to the Periodontology Clinical of Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Dentistry,
• Individuals without any systemic diseases and without using any medications that affect periodontal health were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who refuse to participate in the study or who cannot comply with the study protocol,
• Individuals participating in another clinical trial concurrently, Individuals who have received periodontal treatment within the last 6 months,
• Individuals who have used medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.) that may affect periodontal parameters within the last 3 months,
• Individuals with systemic diseases that may affect the periodontium,
• Individuals with systemic diseases presenting with oral symptoms,
• Individuals with malignant disease,
• Pregnant or lactating women,
• Individuals with psychological or physical disabilities,
• Individuals with substance abuse,
• Individuals with severe malocclusion, undergoing orthodontic treatment, using appliances, or using removable dentures,
• Individuals with acute dental infection or pain (cavities, abscesses, etc.).

The study population consists of individuals who applied to the Department of Periodontology at the Faculty of Dentistry. Participants include systemically healthy volunteers diagnosed with different periodontal conditions (healthy, gingivitis, or periodontitis) and categorized by their smoking status.