SOAT1 and periodontitis: During periodontitis, chronic inflammation driven by microbial infection activates cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17A, which engage the JAK/STAT pathway and promote the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and osteoclastogenic factors.39 Among the STAT proteins, STAT3 has emerged as particularly relevant in periodontitis.