This study seeks to understand how microscopic particles derived from bacteria affect the early stages of this inflammatory pathology.
A team of researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry of the Universidad de los Andes, led by Dr. Constanza Martínez, and with the collaboration of researchers from the Universidad de la Frontera, is conducting a research project that aims to provide new knowledge about periodontal disease, one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults.
"It is a very novel study that will assess the effects of particles called extracellular vesicles, derived from periodontal pathogens, on epithelial permeability and its anti-inflammatory response, using a three-dimensional culture model," explains Dr. Constanza Martínez, an academic at the UANDES School of Dentistry.
The main objective is to better understand the initial mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this disease, a key step toward improve prevention, diagnosis, and current treatments. "It will provide new knowledge related to the mechanisms of the disease during its initial phase, which will allow a better understanding of its progression," adds Dr. Martinez.
The project is led by Dr. Constanza Martínez, with Dr. Alejandra Chaparro and Dr. María José Bendek, both from UANDES Dentistry, participating as co-investigators. Dr. Luis Salazar, an expert in molecular biology from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of La Frontera (UFRO), is also collaborating in the project.