How HIV and its treatment affect bone and tooth health
Official title: Intersection of Periodontitis with HIV-Antiretroviral Therapy-Induced Immune Reconstitution Bone Loss, on Alveolar Bone and Tooth Loss, in People Living with HIV
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11144466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and the medications used to treat it can affect bone health in the jaw, which is important for keeping your teeth healthy, and it's aimed at helping people living with HIV understand and improve their oral health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033635-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy and may be experiencing or at risk for bone and tooth loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on bone health, particularly focusing on alveolar bone loss and tooth loss in people living with HIV. It aims to understand how the immune system's reactivation during ART contributes to bone density loss, especially in the jaw area, which is crucial for dental health. The study utilizes a mouse model to explore these effects and the relationship between periodontitis and HIV, given that individuals with HIV are at a higher risk for periodontal disease. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to mitigate bone loss and improve oral health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preserving bone and dental health in individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant bone loss in HIV patients undergoing ART, indicating that this area of study is critical and has the potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weitzmann, Mervyn Neale — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Weitzmann, Mervyn Neale
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How HIV and HIV meds affect jaw bone and teeth
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Periodontitis and HIV treatment–related bone loss in the jaw and teeth
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Periodontitis and HIV therapy–related bone loss in people living with HIV
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Oral-Gut–Bone Links in Periodontitis and Bone Loss
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How bacteria affect bone loss in periodontal disease
This study is looking at how certain bacteria that cause gum disease affect bone cells in your jaw, which can lead to tooth loss, and it aims to find new ways to help people who aren't getting better with current treatments.
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New treatment to stop bone loss in severe gum disease
This study is testing a new treatment to help prevent bone loss in your jaw caused by severe gum disease, using a special antibody to target certain proteins, and it's designed for adults dealing with this common issue.
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.