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 developing a research project that seeks to provide new knowledge about periodontal disease, one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults.
"It is a very novel study, because we will evaluate the effects of periodontal pathogen-derived particles called extracellular vesicles on the permeability of the epithelium and its anti-inflammatory response, using a three-dimensional culture model."Dr. Constanza Martínez, an academic at the UANDES School of Dentistry, explains.
The main objective is to better understand the initial mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this disease, a key step to improve prevention, diagnosis and current treatments. "It will provide new knowledge related to the mechanisms of the disease in its initial phase, which will allow a better understanding of its progression."adds Dr. Martinez.
The project is led by Dr. Constanza Martínez and Dr. Alejandra Chaparro and Dr. María José Bendek, both from UANDES Dentistry, participate 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.