The tooth fairy is a welcome guest for any child who has lost a tooth. Not only will the fairy leave a small gift under the child’s pillow, but they be assured of a replacement tooth in a few months. Unfortunately, the scenario is quite different for adults grappling with a loss of teeth. Luckily, there may be some hope thanks to a new study performed by scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Fukui.
A dental breakthrough
While the typical adult mouth houses 32 teeth, approximately 1% of the population exhibits variations of them, either possessing more or fewer teeth due to congenital conditions. Researchers have delved into the genetic factors behind cases of excessive teeth, seeking valuable insights into the potential regeneration of teeth in adults. This study is the first to show that monoclonal antibodies can help regrow teeth. It suggests a new way to treat a dental problem that currently requires implants and other artificial solutions.
A bit of science
The research team disclosed that an antibody targeting a specific gene, known as uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), can induce tooth development in mice affected by tooth agenesis, a congenital condition. The findings were published in the journal, Science Advances.
As per Katsu Takahashi, a senior lecturer at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and one of the principal contributors to the study, the essential molecules crucial for the development of teeth have already been pinpointed. “The morphogenesis of individual teeth depends on the interactions of several molecules including BMP, or bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling,” says Takahashi.
On April 13, 2021, the University of Kyoto posted its first pic of newly-grown teeth in mice.
BMP and Wnt are involved in more than just tooth development; they affect the growth of organs and tissues early in the body’s development. Because drugs affecting them directly might have broad side effects, scientists are cautious. To find a potentially safer method, researchers focused on the gene USAG-1, thinking that aiming at factors countering BMP and Wnt specifically in tooth development could be more precise.
“We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” added Takahashi.
The first results
Scientists looked at how different monoclonal antibodies affect USAG-1. Monoclonal antibodies are often used to treat things like cancer and arthritis and for making vaccines. Tests with this antibody showed that BMP signaling is crucial for deciding the number of teeth in mice. Also, just one treatment was enough to grow a whole tooth. Further tests confirmed these positive results in ferrets too.
“Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Our next plan is to test the antibodies on other animals, such as pigs and dogs,” explained Takahashi.
Fully regrown frontal teeth in ferrets
The next steps
Now, scientists are going to test the drug on healthy adults. If that goes well, the team plans to try it on kids aged 2 to 6 with a rare tooth problem called anodontia, a genetic disorder defined as the absence of all teeth. These kids will get one shot of the drug to see if it makes their teeth grow. If everything works out, the medicine might be approved by 2030.
Takahashi sees the new medicine as an additional choice for individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth.
“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” Takahashi told the Japanese newspaper, The Mainichi in June this year. “I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen.”
So hopefully, by the year 2030, humans will get a chance to have their third generation of teeth grown and say goodbye to implants. Until then, make sure to keep your teeth strong and healthy — this article will help you with that.
Preview photo credit KyotoU_News / Twitter
Doctor Reveals: MRI Scan Of The Face Of A 33-Year-Old Woman Reveals Where All Of Her Filler Went
A medical surgeon gained international recognition by sharing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) footage that showed how a patient’s injected hyaluronic acid fillers developed and moved on their own over time. Thousands of viewers were shocked by the results and acknowledged that their implanted fillers had never dissolved.
Dermal fillers are defined by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery as gel-like substances that are injected into the skin to improve facial features, smooth wrinkles and soften creases, and restore lost volume. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, dermal fillers are substances that resemble gel and are injected into the skin to enhance facial features, soften creases, smooth wrinkles, and replenish lost volume.
According to the board, more than a million men and women select this well-liked face rejuvenation procedure annually. Hyaluronic acid is a common injectable filler kind that is also the most temporary. Usually, hyaluronic acid fillings last six to eighteen months. Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa gained notoriety after posting an MRI video online. On Friday, July 12, Dr. Kami Parsa, an oculoplastic surgeon from Beverly Hills, California, posted a video of an MRI of a patient on his TikTok profile.
The movie demonstrated how the injections had changed the patient’s face. Over the preceding six years, the patient, a 33-year-old woman, had received more than 12 CC, or 12 milliliters, of hyaluronic acid filler injections. The movie’s MRI, which has received over 7.2 million views, showed a grey face with green dots lighting up in different spots, such as the cheeks and lips, to show where the remaining hyaluronic acid filler was.
The patient’s procedures were not disclosed by Dr. Parsa. He did, however, confirm that the material equaled 28 CC after doing a volumetric assessment to ascertain the woman’s filler amount. In the video, the physician said, “which is more than twice the amount of filler that was injected.” “This proves that hyaluronic acid fillers are hydrophilic,” he went on.
This indicates that they both enjoy being in water and stimulate tissue growth. An individual on TikTok expressed concern over the MRI, saying, “I just don’t see how this wouldn’t completely destroy the lymphatic system.” Someone wrote, “Finally, THIS IS BEING TALKED ABOUT.” “Mass production and impulsive, insane use.” I must find out more.How about botox? “Botox has a long history and is safe if performed correctly,” was the response from Dr. Parsa. The patient’s hyaluronic acid filler dosage has increased, as shown by the MRI.
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