EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS

该子项目是利用 由NIH/NCRR资助的中心赠款提供的资源。子项目和 研究者（PI）可能从另一个NIH来源获得主要资金， 因此可以在其他CRISP条目中表示。所列机构为 研究中心，而研究中心不一定是研究者所在的机构。 复发性阿弗他口炎（RAS）是美国最常见的口腔炎性溃疡性疾病。遗传和环境风险因素被认为在RAS的发展中发挥作用。然而，这种疾病的发病机制仍然是未知的。研究方法：我们将进行一项病例对照研究，通过问卷调查和临床检查收集流行病学数据，以确定RAS的风险因素（具体目标#1）。 我们将对RAS和对照组织中的基因表达进行初步研究，以收集关于基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）及其抑制剂（即，MMPs和生长抑素的组织抑制剂），以及RAS发病机制中的MMP相关细胞因子（具体目标#2）。 最后，我们将通过问卷调查、检查、抽血和活检组织的基因表达分析收集数据和DNA，以促进未来RAS的遗传流行病学研究（具体目标#3）。结果/获益：这是RAS遗传流行病学系列研究中的第一项研究。病例对照研究将提供重要信息的作用，环境，社会经济和主机相关的风险因素RAS。初步研究将提供新的初步数据的作用，基质金属蛋白酶，其抑制剂，基质金属蛋白酶相关的细胞因子，和其他基因在RAS的发病机制。总的来说，这项研究的结果和库存数据将构成未来流行病学研究的重要基础，旨在了解环境和遗传风险因素对RAS的综合作用。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common inflammatory ulcerative disease of the oral cavity in the United States. Genetic and environmental risk factors are thought to play a role in the development of RAS. However, the etiopathogenesis of this disease is still unknown. Methods: We will conduct a case-control study to collect epidemiologic data through questionnaires and clinical examinations to determine risk factors for RAS (Specific Aim #1). We will conduct a pilot study of gene expression in RAS and control tissue to gather preliminary data on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their inhibitors (i.e., tissue inhibitors of MMPs and somatostatin), and MMP-related cytokines in the pathogenesis of RAS (Specific Aim #2). Lastly, we will bank data and DNA collected through questionnaires, examinations, blood drawing, and gene expression analyses of biopsy tissue to facilitate future genetic epidemiologic studies of RAS (Specific Aim #3). Outcome/Benefit: This is the first study of a series of genetic epidemiologic studies of RAS. The case-control study will provide important information on the role of environmental, socio-economic, and host-related risk factors for RAS. The pilot study will provide new preliminary data on the role of MMPs, their inhibitors, MMP-related cytokines, and other genes in the pathogenesis of RAS. Collectively, the results of this research and the banked data will constitute an important foundation for future epidemiologic studies aimed at understanding the combined role of environmental and genetic risk factors for RAS.