Project Details
Projekt
Etiology of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) of enamel using the molluscan mineralization model: vitamin D3 status and impact of MIH-causing factors
Subject Area
Dentistry, Oral Surgery
Term
since 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 525212296
The etiology of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is currently unclear. To date, there are few suitable model systems to investigate possible MIH-causing factors. In our recent study, we demonstrated that the molluscan mineralization model using zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) is a rapid and effective in vivo biomineralization model with relatively low cost, low ethical issues, and potential applications beyond MIH research, and that comparable pharmacological dose-response relationships can be established with humans. This is because both enamel and shell formation undergo similar biomineralization processes. In this proposal, hard-cut histology will be used to examine and compare changes in zebra mussel shell microstructure caused by exogenous and currently debated etiological factors of MIH in the molluscan mineralization model. This will allow an investigation of the currently controversial discussed protective effect of vitamin D3 against mineralization disrupting factors such as BPA in the molluscan mineralization model. Possible pharmacological correlations with the actual vitamin D3 status in molluscan soft tissue will be determined by instrumental analysis. Furthermore, the influence of the investigated factors of MIH and vitamin D3 on zebra mussel behavior and filtration rate, respectively, will be investigated. The accumulation of the investigated biomineralization disturbing factors in the shell and soft tissue of zebra mussels will be determined by quantitative analysis of these factors. Since the use of BPA-containing materials for the production of pacifiers is still allowed in the EU, the pacifiers will be investigated as a possible source of BPA.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
