Analysis of the gene expression of CD4+ T lymphocytes activated with potentised sulphur from patients with periodontal inflammation and a healthy control group

If you would like to support our study, please contact us!

We are looking for 25 participants for each of two groups:

• Group 1 (patients): People with diagnosed, untreated periodontitis
• Group 2 (control group): Healthy volunteers without periodontitis and without gum inflammation

Requirements for participation

• Age: 18 - 80 years
• Periodontitis patients: Confirmed diagnosis, no treatment/therapy yet
• Control group: Healthy gums/no periodontitis findings
• Written consent

Excluded are persons who

• have taken pain or inflammation medication (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol) or antibiotics in the last 6 months.
• are taking medication for rheumatism (e.g. cortisone, immunosuppressants, TNF blockers).
• are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• have systemic diseases (e.g. diabetes).
• smoke.
• are receiving homeopathic treatment.
   

Procedure of the study

After giving informed consent, blood is taken once from the test subjects (15 ml, approximately one tablespoon). The CD4+ T lymphocytes are isolated from the blood in the laboratory. These cells are stimulated with sulphur D12 and their gene expression (activity of certain genes, especially inflammatory messengers) is then measured. All laboratory work is only carried out with the extracted cells; the test subjects themselves do not take part in any further tests. A short examination and blood collection in presence is required for participation. The appointments take place in Witten (Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße and Stockumer Straße) and last approx. 30 to 60 minutes.

Compensation

Each participant receives €40 for time spent and travelling expenses.

• Responsible: Chair of Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine
• Funding: Software AG - Foundation
• Cooperation partners:
  Prof. Dr Thomas Dittmar, Chair and Institute of Immunology (Scientific Director)
  Prof. Dr med. dent. Anton Friedmann, Chair of Periodontology (Dental Director)
  Prof. Dr Thomas Ostermann, Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology (Biometry and Statistics)

With these in-vitro and ex-vivo experiments, we aim to open up an outlook and a perspective. Addressing the question of the mechanisms of action of potentised substances on human cells and the transferability of the results into clinical practice is in the spirit of translational research.