Exploring the link between gum disease and other health issues
Trained innate immunity and periodontitis-associated comorbidities
This study is looking at how gum disease might be connected to other serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease, and it aims to find out how inflammation from gum problems could affect your overall health, especially by seeing how certain stem cells in your body react to this inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11009913 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how periodontal disease (PD), a common inflammatory condition of the gums, is linked to other serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind this connection, particularly how PD may cause low-grade inflammation that affects the body's overall health. The study will explore the role of bone marrow stem cells and how they may be 'trained' by inflammation to respond more aggressively to future health challenges. By uncovering these relationships, the research hopes to provide insights into better management of both gum disease and its associated health risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from periodontal disease who also have or are at risk for conditions like type-2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients without periodontal disease or those who do not have any associated systemic health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for periodontal disease and its related health conditions, potentially reducing the burden of these diseases on patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the connections between periodontal disease and systemic health issues, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hajishengallis, Georgios — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hajishengallis, Georgios
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.