KFO 208: Aetiology and Sequelae of Periodontal Diseases - Genetic, Cell Biological and Biomechanical Aspects

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Periodontitis is a complex multifactorial disease and the exact aetiopathogenetic mechanisms are still largely unknown. The projects of the Clinical Research Unit are thus devoted to the inflammatory, tissue-destructive and regenerative processes in the periodontium as well as the possible sequelae for general health in the context of in-vitro, animal and clinical studies. The major goal of the Clinical Research Unit is to improve the prevention, disease control and therapy of periodontitis through a better understanding of the causes and effects of periodontal diseases as well as of regenerative processes in the involved tissues. The Clinical Research Unit embarks on an interdisciplinary research approach that comprises genetic, cell biological and biomechanical aspects. The identification of periodontitis-associated genetic polymorphisms as well as biomechanical and vascular factors that influence the periodontal situation should enable patients at risk to be recognised and therapy to be carried out at an earlier stage than has been possible until now. New therapeutic approaches are expected as a result of identifying and characterising dendritic cell populations and the effects mediated by beta-defensin. By clarifying the significance of periodontal diseases for vascular pathology and especially the significance of vascular regeneration for the treatment of periodontitis, new forms of therapy may possibly result that, through a systemic approach, could both reduce the health risks for the entire patient and also improve the success of local treatment. Furthermore, a major focus is given to biomechanical aspects in the context of periodontal wound healing and possible consequences for regenerative treatment strategies. The investigation of the mechanisms whereby enamel matrix derivatives, insulin-like growth factors and parathyroid hormone mediate their effects at cellular and molecular levels will reveal their potential for application in regenerative periodontal therapy.