Living in zero gravity can lead to periodontitis, scientists in the United Arab Emirates reveal in a new study.
In their study—published in the Journal of Periodontal Research—scientists at the University of Sharjah sought to understand how simulated microgravity—the near-weightless environment astronauts experience in space—might influence the development and severity of periodontitis.
The researchers carried out their experiment in a lab in which mice were used to test the impact of periodontitis in microgravity conditions and on earth. To simulate this, they used a special model where mice were placed in a position that mimics the effects of microgravity, and then gum disease was induced.
The study “found that mice exposed to simulated microgravity showed much worse gum inflammation and bone loss compared to mice with induced periodontitis on the ground,” senior author Zahi Badran said.
“They had higher levels of disease markers, more severe tissue damage, and more immune cells in the affected areas.”
The group of mice on the ground showed minimal bone loss, while the group in simulated space conditions exhibited a marked increase in CEJ-ABC distance, indicating significant bone resorption.
Similarly, the group of mice in simulated space flight displayed a significant increase in ALP activity compared to the control group, indicating increased bone resorption and inflammation associated with periodontitis due to the change in gravity.
The research indicates that microgravity can exacerbate induced gum disease in animals, underscoring the importance of developing tailored dental prophylaxis and care strategies for future space explorers.
