Mutual control mechanism of masticatory function development and maxillofacial morphological growth

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18764
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57070:Developmental dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshimi Tomoko 長崎大学, 病院(歯学系), 医員 (20805973)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: マウス / 口腔機能低下

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mutual control mechanism of masticatory functions and maxillofacial morphological patterns during growth and development using mice with hypofunction and malocclusion.
In the mice induced masticatory hypofunction using BoNT/A, significant differences were observed in mandibular morphology such as the condyle. In the malocclusion model mice, a decrease in bone density of the condyle and mandibular angle and alveolar bone density was observed. In addition, the effect on jaw movement trajectory was observed, suggesting that malocclusion and masticatory dysfunction during the growth and development period affect not only normal morphological development but also the development of masticatory function later on.

Free Research Field

歯学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現代において、摂食機能に障害を有する児童が増加傾向にあるとの報告があり、発育期における咀嚼・嚥下機能の発達や障害発症のメカニズムについての研究が注目されている。本研究では、発育期での顎口腔機能低下モデルや不正咬合モデルの顎顔面形態および機能において変化が認められた。本研究結果は子どもたちの顎口腔機能の正常な発達と咬合の成育のために、成長期における機能障害、不正咬合の早期治療や機能回復の検討に貢献するものである。