Neuro Immunology
Neuroimmunology explores the interactions between the body's central nervous system and immune system. At Altum, we engage various angles of this connection:
1) The Gut Brain Axis and the Oral Microbiome.
Understanding the connections between 2 very complex sytems involves how one can lead to irregularities in the other. Research has illuminated the critical role of the gut microbiome in modulating this axis. We look into how the oral microbiome has connections into the same.
2) Nervous System Regulation of Oral Immunity.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses in the oral cavity. The autonomic nervous system, through its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, can modulate immune cell activity and inflammatory responses in the gums and other oral tissues. This interaction plays a vital role in maintaining oral health and responding to pathogens.
3) Pain Modulation in Oral Health.
Neuroimmunological mechanisms are involved in pain modulation within the oral cavity. Inflammatory mediators can sensitize nociceptors, leading to increased pain perception. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing conditions like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and postoperative pain after dental procedures.
4) Oral Manifestations of Neurological Disease.
Several neurological diseases have oral manifestations that may reflect underlying neuroimmune interactions. For instance, patients with multiple sclerosis can experience trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by severe facial pain. Similarly, conditions like Parkinson's disease can lead to sialorrhea (excessive drooling) and difficulties in oral hygiene management due to motor impairments.
5) Using Saliva as a Diagnostic Tool.
Saliva contains biomarkers that can reflect neuroimmune activity, offering a non-invasive means of diagnosing and monitoring neurological diseases. For example, levels of certain cytokines or antibodies in saliva may correlate with disease activity in conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, which affects both the nervous system and salivary glands.
The future of understanding healthcare is through collaboration. Without which we are all in the dark. We need to consider factors which may be complex, possibly not associated or in less abundance. The data may be scant and non aligned, the truth must be found.
