CASPer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Association of Systemic and Local Autoantibody Development with Severe Periodontitis, a Case Control Study
IRAS ID
174125
Contact name
Anna Krajewski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Gum disease, one of the most common chronic diseases affecting up to 70% of adults, results in tooth loss, impairment of chewing and has a negative impact on (patients’) quality of life. Although bacteria are known for initiating the disease, the scale of gum tissue destruction is also linked to the individual’s way of fighting infections. One way of fighting infections is to produce antibodies, which may sometimes cause damage when directed against healthy tissues. This process is known as autoimmunity. Evidence suggests that autoimmunity can trigger tissue damage in gum disease patients. We aim to investigate autoimmunity as a phenotype of gum disease, by detection of autoantibodies in gum fluid, saliva and blood. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that autoimmunity may explain higher susceptibility for gum disease in a subset of patients. Better understanding of disease phenotypes will help to identify individuals susceptible (prone) to gum disease leading to personalized treatment protocols.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0516
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion