Elucidation of the carcinogenic mechanism for the prevention of oral cancer caused by betel quid chewing

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K11916
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Surgical dentistry
• Research Institution: Health Sciences University of Hokkaido
• Principal Investigator: NAGAYASU Hiroki 北海道医療大学, 歯学部, 教授 (90265075)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 植原 治 北海道医療大学, 歯学部, 助教 (00709248) ; 高井 理衣 北海道医療大学, 健康科学研究所, 助教 (50781085) ; 安彦 善裕 北海道医療大学, 歯学部, 教授 (90260819)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: betel quid / アレコリン / 口腔がん

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In vitro genetic changes were comprehensively analyzed using samples of human gingival epithelial progenitor cells (HGEPs) treated with arecoline for a prolonged period of time. The results showed that SIRT1 gene expression was down-regulated and DNA methylation levels were up-regulated in the arecolyne-treated group, suggesting that betel quid chewing may affect oral cancer via alterating SIRT1, since SIRT1 is a tumor suppressor gene.
We also analyzed the oral flora (OF) of Sri Lanka betel nuts habitants (BQC) and non-chewing habitants (NC), suggesting that betel chewing significantly altered the OF and, in particular, increased the percentage of periodontal pathogenic bacteria.

Free Research Field

口腔悪性腫瘍

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では，アレコリンによる口腔粘膜のエピジェネティックな変化を明らかにし，Betel quidによる発がんの予防的治療へと応用することを目的とした．研究成果から，Betel quidが発がんに関わる機序を明らかにした．また，口腔内細菌叢への影響を明らかにしたことから，Betel quid習慣者に重点的に口腔衛生指導を行うことで口腔内細菌叢へのdysbiosis（共生バランスの失調）を防ぐ可能性が高い。