Elucidation of root caries mechanism and consideration of prevention/treatment methods by comprehensive model of demineralization and proteolysis

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K10418
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: MAYANAGI Gen 東北大学, 歯学研究科, 講師 (10451600)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 柳田 保子 東京工業大学, 科学技術創成研究院, 教授 (10282849) ; 鷲尾 純平 東北大学, 歯学研究科, 准教授 (20400260) ; 高橋 信博 東北大学, 歯学研究科, 教授 (60183852)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 根面う蝕 / 脱灰 / タンパク質分解 / 細菌 / 唾液

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have developed methods to visualize the distribution of proteolytic enzyme activity in the root tissues and its activation, and investigated the distribution and activation of enzyme activity and the effects of inhibitors on them. As a result, it was proved that the distribution of proteolytic enzyme activity in the root tissue and the enzymes are activated by acid. It was also found that proteolytic enzyme activity was inhibited by chlorhexidine, silver diamine fluoride, epigallocatechin gallate, and calcium hydroxide.

Free Research Field

口腔生化学、保存修復学、歯周病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果は、超高齢社会かつ歯周病罹患率の高い現代の日本において増加している根面う蝕のメカニズムの解明に寄与するものである。今後、さらなる根面う蝕の詳細な機序解明および根面う蝕の予防・治療法の開発等への展開が期待でき、超高齢社会の歯科における課題の1つである根面う蝕の抑制へ貢献できると考えられる。