by Periodontal disease, commonly manifested as periodontitis, is the primary cause of tooth loss and affects approximately one in five adults globally. This condition typically arises due to an inflammatory response to bacterial infection of the gum tissue surrounding teeth. As the disease progresses, the gums recede, exposing teeth roots and bone. With an increasing aging population and longer life expectancies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of periodontitis’ underlying causes and developmental stages is crucial.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have made significant strides in this area by enhancing a widely used animal model to study periodontitis more effectively. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on March 28, 2024.
Studying periodontitis directly in humans presents numerous challenges. Consequently, researchers often rely on animal models for preclinical research. One such model is the mouse ligature-induced periodontitis model, which has been in use since 2012. In this model, periodontal disease is artificially induced by securing silk threads around the molars of mice, leading to plaque accumulation. Although convenient and efficient, this model falls short of providing a complete understanding of periodontitis.
To address this limitation, TMDU researchers have refined the existing animal model to better mimic the human condition. By incorporating additional features, such as a more accurate representation of the periodontal ligament and Bone Loss, this improved model will enable researchers to gain a more detailed understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying periodontitis. This advancement is expected to pave the way for the development of more effective treatments and preventive measures for this prevalent condition.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
