Periodontal disease is initiated by bacteria populating dental plaque and may eventually result in tissue and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is similar to other chronic, inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, where inflammation causes tissue damage and is responsible for the disease. To date, the prevention of periodontal disease is limited to successful oral hygiene and regular professional care. However, despite these preventive actions, plaque control is not enough to prevent disease in susceptible individuals with a high inflammatory response. Researchers presenting their findings during the 35th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research introduced Resolvins, a new family of biologically active products of omega-3 fatty acids. They are natural endogenous regulators of the inflammatory response. Since it is now known that inflammation plays a critical role in many diseases, including heart disease and asthma, experiments were carried out to test the actions of Resolvin E1 (RvE1) in regulating tissue destruction and resolving inflammation in periodontal disease. Experimental periodontal disease characterized by tissue inflammation and bone loss was stimulated in rabbits by the application of specific bacteria that cause the disease in humans. The results of this study showed that topical application of RvE1 in experimental periodontal disease provided re-markable protection against soft tissue and bone loss associated with periodontitis. Analysis of these data supports the concept that inflammation is a good therapeutic target in the treatment of periodontal disease.
(Source: American Association for Dental Research news release, March 10, 2006)
