Study Hints at Why Gums Suffer With Age

New research from Queen Mary University of London sheds light on why gum disease can become more common with old age. The study, published in Nature Immunology, reveals that the deterioration in gum health, which often occurs with increasing age, is associated with a drop in the level of a chemical called Del-1. The research explains that understanding more about Del-1 and its effects on the body's immune system could help in the treatment and prevention of serious gum disease.

Periodontal disease affects the gums and causes bleeding and bone loss which can lead to loss of teeth. As people age, they are more likely to suffer from inflammatory diseases, including gum disease.

The new research investigated gum disease in young and old mice and found that an increase in gum disease in the older animals was accompanied by a drop in the level of Del-1. This protein is known to restrain the immune system by stopping white blood cells from sticking to and attacking mouth tissue.

Mice that had no Del-1 developed severe gum disease and elevated bone loss and researchers found unusually high levels of white blood cells in the gum tissue. When they treated the gums of the mice with Del-1, the number of white blood cells dropped and gum disease as well as bone loss were reduced. The researchers say their findings may be the basis for a new treatment of gum disease.

"Periodontitis is an extremely common problem and we know that the disease tends to be more common as we get older," Mike Curtis said. Curtis, Professor of Microbiology at Queen Mary University of London, lead the microbiological studies in the research.

"This research sheds some light on why aging makes us more susceptible and understanding this mechanism is the first step to an effective treatment."

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102407.htm#.UPCQQOv4MWU.email