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Researchers identify DNA sections responsible for periodontitis An international network of researchers led by scientists at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany has identifi ed variations of certain DNA sequences that are clearly as- sociated with an increased risk of developing different forms of periodontal disease. In a ge- nome-wide association study, the group, led by Prof. Arne Schäfer from the Charité Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Sciences, investigated the relationship between sequence differences in genetic information and the incidence of the disease in several thousand patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis. The results were com- pared with healthy individuals. The scientists found two gene regions that appeared to be associated with an increased risk of developing different forms of periodontitis. One of the two regions is responsible for the synthe- sis of alpha-defensins (antimicrobial peptides), which are produced by specialised immune cells. m u tt e rsto ck.co h S / © S A R A N S These immune cells, neu- trophils, are part of the body’s immune response and are involved in the identifi cation and destruction of microorganisms. The second gene region in- hibits the activation of these immune cells. “Our results show that the different forms of gum disease share a common genetic origin,” said Schäfer. He emphasised: “This means that there are groups of patients who are susceptible to developing gum disease, but whose susceptibil- ity is independent of other risk factors, such as smoking, oral hygiene or aging.” Researcher aims to Regrow teeth with biocompatible material The ability to grow new teeth has long been a pipe dream in dentistry. Recent breakthroughs, however, have shown that it is possible to pro- mote regeneration of dental tissue with the aim of reducing the use of fi lling material and helping teeth to self-repair. Dr Azam Ali from the University of Otago in New Zealand has now launched a research project that seeks to develop a biomaterials system that would allow regrowth of entire teeth. Ali’s “No drill, no fi ll” project was initially intended to create a suitable biocompatible alternative to traditional fi lling materials used to treat dental caries. The study’s parameters soon expanded to producing new dental tissue as the potential of the materials to be used became apparent during preliminary testing. In recognition of their innovation, Ali and his team have been awarded an explorer grant of A$150,000 (US$113,171) from the Health Research Council of New Zealand. This grant is intended to provide fi nancial support for the study for up to 24 months. “Developing a technique to regrow teeth, for example, is an extraordinary concept and offers huge potential for people suffering dental health problems,” said Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman upon awarding the grant to Ali. a ulicre © n ative/Shutterstock . c o m D A SUBSCRIBE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION HERE NOW! ceramic implants— international magazine of ceramic implant technology www.oemus.com/abo ceramic implants international magazine of ceramic implant technology research How to successfully place ceramic implants event 6th IAOCI World Congress in Miami interview “Metal-free restorations are medically relevant” implants 3/17 COMING SOON OCTOBER 2017 Fax +49 341 48474-290 I would like to subscribe for the following journals: ceramic implants — international magazine of oral implantology 2 issues % 30 p.a. * implants — international magazine of oral implantology 4 issues % 44 p.a. * Terms & Conditions: The subscription may be cancelled in written form without due justifi cation within 14 days of order by contacting OEMUS MEDIA AG, Holbein- straße 29, 04229 Leipzig, Germany. Dispatching notifi cation in good time will suf- fi ce. The subscription is automatically extended by another twelve months if it is not cancelled in written form 6 weeks prior to the end of the reference period. * All prices include VAT and shipping (within Germany). Conditions for international subscriptions upon request. Last Name, First Name Company Street ZIP / City/Country E-Mail Signature PayPal Credit Card Credit Card Number Expiration Date Security Code Holbeinstraße 29 · 04229 Leipzig · Germany Phone: +49 341 48474-201 · grasse@oemus-media.de O EM U S M E D I A AG