RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

B Cell Functions in Periodontitis

This study aims to understand certain immune cells, called B cells, in people with gum disease (periodontitis). B cells are important in fighting infections, but in long-term inflammation like gum disease, they can also cause damage. Researchers will look at these B cells in the blood and gum tissue to see how they behave in different types of gum disease and how they change after treatment. The goal is to better understand how gum disease develops, improve testing, and find more personalised ways to treat it, potentially even helping to prevent it from coming back.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2015

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Chronic Periodontitis Aggressive Periodontitis

What is this study about?

This study is about a common and sometimes serious gum disease called periodontitis. You might know it as 'gum disease' or 'pyorrhoea'. It happens when long-term inflammation damages the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth.

Our bodies have an amazing defence system called the immune system. One important part of this system is a type of cell called a B cell. These cells usually help fight off infections by making special proteins called antibodies. However, in long-lasting problems like periodontitis, these B cells can sometimes contribute to the inflammation and damage, making the problem worse. Researchers want to understand exactly what these B cells are doing in people with periodontitis, both in their blood and in their gums.

By carefully looking at these B cells, researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how periodontitis develops and progresses. This could lead to better ways of checking for the disease, predicting how it might develop, and finding more effective, tailored treatments. Ultimately, this research could help doctors understand who might be at higher risk of severe gum disease and how to prevent it from coming back after treatment.

Key takeaways

The study wants to understand immune cells (B cells) in gum disease.
It aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontitis.
Researchers will look at B cells in blood and gum tissue.
It focuses on patients needing gum surgery.
Could help develop more personalised gum disease treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you generally need to be between 18 and 75 years old and be in good overall health. You must also need a type of gum surgery for your periodontitis and be willing to sign a consent form, which means you understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are under 18 years old or pregnant, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you've taken antibiotics in the last three months, or if you have certain other long-term health conditions that cause inflammation, you wouldn't be able to join.

Finally, if you are currently having orthodontic treatment (like braces), you would also not be able to take part in this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you need gum surgery for periodontitis?
Are you generally in good health?
Have you avoided antibiotics in the last 3 months?
Are you not pregnant and do not have certain other long-term inflammatory illnesses?
Are you currently not having orthodontic treatment (like braces)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided is a bit general, so the exact details of what taking part involves aren't fully described. However, based on the summary, it would likely include checking your blood and taking small samples of gum tissue both before and after a special type of gum surgery. This would allow researchers to track changes in your B cells over time. There would also be follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. The total duration of participation and specific number of visits are not specified, but you would receive full details before deciding to join.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help scientists understand gum disease better, which could lead to improved treatments for everyone in the future. You might also receive attentive monitoring of your gum health. However, there are no direct health benefits guaranteed from taking part. Potential risks could include discomfort or minor bleeding from blood tests and gum tissue sampling, as well as the usual risks associated with gum surgery. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without explanaition or affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHRU de Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It can lead to tooth loosening or even tooth loss.

What are B cells?

B cells are a type of white blood cell, an important part of your immune system. They help your body fight off infections by making special proteins called antibodies.

Why are researchers studying B cells?

Researchers believe that while B cells normally help fight infection, in long-term gum disease, they might also contribute to the inflammation and damage. Understanding their role could lead to better treatments.

Will I get a new type of treatment?

This study is focused on understanding the disease and measuring B cells, especially during and after an 'unconventional surgical therapy'. It's not primarily testing a brand-new drug, but aims to refine existing approaches.

What does personalized medicine mean?

Personalized medicine means tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their specific characteristics, like their unique immune response. This study hopes to contribute to that for periodontitis.

How to find out more

ALARD Jean-Eric

jeaneric.alard@univ-brest.fr 0298323384 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.