Periodontal Disease Susceptible Matrilines in the Cayo Santiago Macaca Mulatta Macaques

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-11-2018

Publication Title

Journal of Periodontal Research

First page number:

1

Last page number:

9

Abstract

Objective and Background The expression of periodontitis, including age of onset, extent, and severity is considered to represent an interaction of the individual's oral microbiome and host response to the microbial challenge that is modified by both genetics and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of periodontitis in a population of nonhuman primates, to document features of familial distribution that could reflect heritability and transmission of microbes with enhanced virulence. Material and Methods This report presents our findings from evaluation of periodontal disease bone defects in skulls from 569 animals (5‐31 years of age) derived from the skeletons of the rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of Cayo Santiago derived from eight matrilines over 6‐9 generations. The distance from the base of alveolar bone to the cemento‐enamel junction on 1st/2nd premolars and 1st/2nd molars from all four quadrants was evaluated as a measure of periodontal disease. Additionally, we documented the presence of periodontitis in 79 living descendants within these matrilines. Results The results demonstrated an increased extent and severity of periodontitis with aging across all matrilines. Extensive heterogeneity in disease expression was observed among the animals and this was linked to specific periodontitis susceptible matrilines. Moreover, we identified some matrilines in which the members appeared to show some resistance to more severe disease, even with aging. Conclusion Linking these disease variations to multigenerational matriarchal family units supported familial susceptibility of periodontitis. This familial disease relationship was reinforced by the distribution of naturally‐occurring periodontitis in the living descendants.

Keywords

Familial risk; Nonhuman primates; Periodontitis

Disciplines

Periodontics and Periodontology

Language

English

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