Investigation of biomarkers in proximal caries

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Investigation of biomarkers in proximal caries

  • IRAS ID

    289198

  • Contact name

    Lamis El sharkasi

  • Contact email

    lelsharkasi1@sheffield.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    289198, IRAS number

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Demineralization takes place when the tooth is exposed to acidic conditions. In dental caries, cariogenic bacteria ferment dietary carbohydrates and release acid that starts to dissolve the hydroxylapatite of the tooth. Once the dentine has been reached the progression of caries becomes more rapid due to the lower mineral content in dentine and the smaller hydroxyl crystals compared to enamel. Acids produced by bacterial proteases dissolve the organic element leaving the organic matrix of dentin exposed, however, these proteases lack the ability to degrade intact collagen. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) are capable of degrading most of the ECM molecules and their role in collagen alteration has been a focus area for many researchers .Previous work in this research group has assessed the validity and reproducibility of four methods of proximal caries detection in primary molar teeth. This research project aims to build upon this previous study (12/YH/0214) investigating the hypothesis that levels of (MMPs) differ between dentine regions with different stages of carious involvement in human primary teeth. It also aims to relate the diagnosis and the surface appearance, as recorded by ICDAS, of the different stages of caries lesion with the presence and quantity of MMPs in the dentine carious lesion using immunohistochemistry.

  • REC name

    N/A

  • REC reference

    N/A