Antibodies present in people with good oral health could help dental professionals assess a patient's probable response to periodontal disease treatments, researchers at the University of Michigan have found.
The antibodies act on a protein called HtpG, the bug that makes it is Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important pathogen in periodontal disease. The antibody also has potential as a vaccine candidate, according to Charles Shelburne, assistant research scientist at the UM School of Dentistry.
Researchers discovered that the HtpG antibodies were present in much lower amounts in people with periodontal disease, and in much higher concentrations in those with healthier teeth and gums. Typically, antibodies are elevated in people with disease, because they help fight the disease.
Not only were the HtpG antibodies present in higher amounts in people with healthier gums, those patients with the antibodies responded better to periodontal treatment.
In the long run, this discovery could lead to early interventional therapy to prevent periodontal disease from advancing, or even starting.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the National Institutes of Health, funded the project.
WWJ Newsradio 950 e-newsletters bring automotive, business, technology, entertainment, and home news and information to your desktop. Interested in a complimentary subscription? Please register as a new reader by clicking here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sponsored Links:
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
