Understanding the link between gum disease and heart attacks.Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining the role of Wnt signalling & IGFBP6 in enhanced atherosclerosis risk in periodontal patients: biomarker & therapeutic potential evaluation
IRAS ID
280626
Contact name
Dáire J Shanahan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Head of Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 4 days
Research summary
Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in the UK and across the world. The most common cause of heart attacks is the blockage of the arteries that supply the heart. These blockages are caused by a disease called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fat (cholesterol) accumulates in the arteries, resulting in the inflammation, thickening, and hardening of the artery vessel wall. People with periodontal disease - a chronic infection of the gums - are especially likely to develop atherosclerosis. However, many people are unaware that gum disease puts individuals at a greater risk of having a heart attack. Moreover, the precise link between atherosclerosis and periodontal disease remains a mystery. A greater understanding of the link between these diseases is essential in order to reduce the number of heart attacks.
We propose that gum disease changes the behaviour of a particular type of inflammatory blood cell called a monocyte that can promote inflammation and lead to the onset of heart attacks.
To test this, blood will be taken from the forearm of healthy volunteers and patients with gum disease, and monocytes will be purified using standard procedures. The behaviour of these blood cells will then be tested, including their interactions with blood vessel (endothelial) cells,to see if the cells taken from patients with gum disease behave differently to those taken from healthy volunteers.
Furthermore we will assess if gum (periodontal) treatment in patients with severe forms of gum disease will affect the behaviour of monocytes.
Saliva samples will also be collected from the same participants and analysed to identify possible bio-markers of atherosclerosis in people with periodontitis.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/1095
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion