Mohamman Alhameed
Pronouns: he/him
Research Mentor(s): Joseph Decker
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics / Dentistry
Program:
Authors: Mohamman Alhameed, Joseph Decker
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 54
Abstract
Background and Objective: Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory condition characterized by the progressive destruction of the periodontal tissue. Recent research has highlighted the significance of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, suggesting a potential variation in neutrophil response between genders. We hypothesize that there is a difference in neutrophil phenotypes between differing sex. Material and Methods: We investigated gender-based susceptibility to periodontal disease using murine models, categorized into four experimental groups, two for each gender: ligature (with periodontal disease induced) and non-ligature (control). After 21 days, we harvested bone marrow from the femur and tibia to isolate neutrophils. Through flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, and microscopy, we specifically aimed to identify gender-related differences in neutrophil response between the experimental groups, shedding light on the potential gender disparities in periodontal disease mechanisms. Results: Female mice show more bone loss in the tibia than males, potentially due to differences in aging immune cells and specific immune responses. This suggests a connection between immune cell behavior and susceptibility to bone diseases like periodontal disease, varying by sex. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights significant sexual dimorphism in neutrophil responses during ligature-induced periodontitis, with female mice demonstrating greater bone loss compared to males. These findings underscore the importance of considering gender-specific immune mechanisms in understanding and addressing periodontal disease, suggesting potential avenues for tailored therapeutic interventions to improve treatment outcomes.
