How certain fatty acids help heal gum disease
Official title: Mechanisms of Pro-Resolving Mediators in Periodontal Regeneration
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-10764989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking dietary supplements with certain fatty acids might help people with gum disease by promoting healing and improving gum health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $216,722 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DE025020-09S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10764989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with periodontitis who may benefit from dietary interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontal disease or those who do not respond to dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary supplements containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can improve outcomes for patients with periodontitis, a serious gum disease. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these fatty acids work, particularly focusing on their metabolites that may activate specific receptors on stem cells involved in healing. By using a pig model, researchers will test the effects of these supplements on periodontal regeneration and stem cell function. The goal is to optimize nutritional strategies for better management of gum disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations and treatments for patients suffering from periodontitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with dietary supplementation of EPA and DHA in managing inflammatory diseases, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Dyke, Thomas Elliott — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Van Dyke, Thomas Elliott
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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.