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iCoreConnect Announces California Dental Association Endorsement of iCoreRx

Posted on Tuesday, November 9, 2021

California Dental Association, the largest dental association in the U.S., endorses iCoreConnect’s electronic prescribing software.

iCoreConnect, Inc. (OTCQB: ICCT), a cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for healthcare business workflow, today announced the California Dental Association’s (CDA) endorsement of iCoreConnect’s electronic prescription solution iCoreRx.

The CDA has been serving California dentists for 150 years with current membership totaling 27,000 dentists. With cloud-based iCoreRx, California dental providers can securely prescribe all medications, including controlled substances, from any location or on any device. Doctors can check patient medication history for up to five years, and quickly and easily select medication and dosage information through a comprehensive drug directory. Add-on options selected by CDA include access to the California Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES)prescription drug monitoring program and seamless Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS).

In 2018, the California Legislature passed AB 2789, creating a state-level mandate that all prescriptions be transmitted electronically by Jan. 1, 2022. The law applies to all health care practitioners and almost all prescriptions, with very few exceptions.

“One out of every seven dentists in the U.S. is a member of the California Dental Association,” commented iCoreConnect President and CEO Robert McDermott. “iCoreRx is already providing thousands of doctors across the country with exceptional benefits of speed, accuracy and efficiency that far surpass traditional prescription writing methods. We are eager to provide CDA members across the state of California with practice management integration, prescription history information and one-click access to their state prescription monitoring program, CURES.”

“iCoreRx ensures compliance with the new law and creates a stronger workflow for our members. iCoreRx is one of the most complete solutions to bring every aspect of the prescription writing process into one easily accessible place,” added Dr. Judee Tippett-Whyte, CDA president. “The fact that each member dentist will need just one iCoreRx subscription for each DEA number is critical. Many of our members practice at multiple locations, and iCoreRx provides them a comprehensive and secure e-Prescription resource, without charging them multiple times.”







Heartland Dental Supported Practices Give Back to Their Communities

Posted on Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Company Provided Free Dental Care to Over 2,600 Patients across its Supported Offices to Date

Heartland Dental today announced the progress across their supported practices to give back to the communities they serve and make dental care more accessible. From Free Dentistry Days to special events, the Heartland Dental network continues to make an impact.

Free Dentistry Days is an opportunity for supported doctors and team members to provide basic dental care such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions at no cost to the patients. Since 2010, Free Dentistry Days have provided more than $12 million in free dental care to more than 31,000 patients. This year to-date, over 150 supported offices across the country have hosted a Free Dentistry Day with another 100 supported offices assisting. Together, these supported offices provided basic dental care to more than 2,600 patients who signed up.

Collectively, more than $400,000 worth of dental supplies were donated by Heartland Dental's dental supply partners, Henry Schein, Envista Smile Project, Leixir Dental Group, Colgate, Septodont, and Crest Oral-B.

For more information on Free Dentistry Days, go to https://FreeDentistryDay.org.

Heartland Dental supported doctors are also participating in special local events and challenges to reinforce their commitment to giving back to communities. Following one of the most challenging and unpredictable years, the Company is nearing the end of a "Pay It Forward" challenge. For this challenge, Heartland supported doctors are providing free dental services to patients that are first responders or essential workers that had treatment needs they could not afford.

"At Heartland Dental, we are proud to see so many supported doctors and team members using their talents and skills to give back to the communities they serve," said Dr. Rick Workman, Founder and Executive Chairman, Heartland Dental. "Giving back is so important as we know that oral health is vital to overall health and well-being and yet, some people don't have the financial means to pay for this care. This offering is an opportunity for some to get dental care who otherwise might go without."

There is significant evidence that oral care is critical to overall good health and well-being. Many medical conditions, such as diabetes, oral cancer and heart disease, can be detected through traditional oral examinations; and poor dental health can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory infections, to name a few.

"We are grateful for this opportunity to support doctors and their teams as they offer to give back to communities across the country through Free Dentistry Days and other philanthropic work," said Pat Bauer, Heartland Dental President and CEO. "We look forward to supporting doctors in their ongoing efforts to serve patients and change lives through dental care."







Monet Curing Laser Upgrades To 1-Second Cure

Posted on Monday, November 8, 2021

The world's first handheld dental curing laser continues to revolutionize dentistry as AMD Lasers, Inc. (AMD) announces an upgrade of their Monet™ Curing Laser from a 3-second cure to a 1-second cure.

Light curing is an essential procedure in daily dental practices. The LED curing light has been widely adopted in the dental practice since its introduction in 2001 by Dr. Densen Cao, PhD and a distribution partner. LED curing light technology has saved the dentist on average $6,000 per year compared to halogen curing lights. However, even the LED curing light has certain limitations, including an uncollimated light beam (light intensity decreasing dramatically with distance from the emitting orifice), inefficient curing, long cure times, and other short comings.

The 1-second cure, Monet Curing Laser features: 1) Curing of major composites in the market to 3-4 mm depths in 1 second; 2) Less shrinkage and high initial polymer conversion rate compared to LED curing lights; 3) Compatible with all major composites in the market; 4) No heat issues; 5) Features such as one button operation, coherent collimated beam, 360 degree rotatable head, easy battery exchange, built in radiometer in the charging base, apertures for different beam size, light protection aperture, and others.

"Practitioners have been overwhelmed by the features of Monet vs. LED curing lights since we introduced the Monet Curing Laser with a 3-second cure in February 2021. Many of them do not believe the 1-second cure until they tried the Monet. Internal and independent research has proven that Monet can cure 3-4 mm depths of composites in 1 second. Upgrading from 3 seconds to 1 second provides many benefits to dental procedures beyond the product value which is very competitive to top LED curing lights in the market." said, Dr. Densen Cao, PhD, President of AMD. "The Monet Curing Laser is leading the revolution of dental curing and provides easier, faster, and better curing in dental procedures, not only saving operating time but also ensures quality results for dental practitioners."

Detailed features of the Monet Curing Laser or a live demo can be found at www.amdlasers.com or call +1-866-999-2635.







Nexa3D and 3D DDS Partner to Support Digital Dentistry

Posted on Monday, November 8, 2021

● Nexa3D announces new strategic partnership with 3D DDS

● 3D DDS will be supplying Nexa3D’s dental portfolio, including the NXD 200 ultrafast printer

● Provides optimized part quality, throughput and technical support for dental customers

● Interested parties can register for a webinar on November 9 for full details

Nexa3D, the maker of ultrafast polymer 3D printers, today announced the formation of a new reseller partnership with 3D DDS, the nation’s leading 3D dental distributor, installer, technical service, and training company. This strategic collaboration will combine Nexa3D’s ultrafast LSPc 3D printing technology with 3D DDS’s training, personalized technical support, backup print services and custom workflow management integration tools to deliver unmatched part quality, throughput and performance.

Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, 3D DDS has over 20 years’ experience in 3D manufacturing for the dental industry, being an early pioneer of Nobel scanners and CAD/CAM systems. The company is one of the leading digital dental companies, providing end-to-end workflow solutions, integrated design and technical services for dental labs, dental offices and on-demand manufacturers. Its services include product sales and guidance, technical support and training, design and print services, and printer and material validation. 3D DDS prides itself on delivering support across the entire additive manufacturing (AM) process — from design and technical support to materials — and shares Nexa3D’s belief in providing dedicated support throughout the manufacturing process.

As a new partner and reseller, 3D DDS will be supplying Nexa3D’s dental portfolio alongside dedicated support for its customers. Its customers can therefore benefit from the NXD 200 photoplastic printer, which comes with an unprecedented 8.5 L build volume measuring 275 x 155 x 200 mm, as well as being the fastest dental printer on the market. 3D DDS will also offer Nexa3D’s xWASH washing station and the xCURE post-processing system to help dental customers streamline their 3D printing and post-processing operations.

“We are looking forward to introducing the complete line of Nexa3D solutions to our clients, as they have come to trust us as their primary source for leading edge technologies and services,” explained Colin Barnhard, founder and CEO of 3D DDS. “The Nexa3D ecosystem produces high quality parts quickly and consistently. I look forward to continuing the great collaborative effort between our teams, so that we can continue to refine and improve the ecosystem to offer the best solution available.”

“By collaborating with 3D DDS, Nexa3D’s NXD 200 users can be confident that they will have one of the leading technical support, digital design and workflow management companies behind them,” explained Jim Zarzour, Head of Dental Solutions at Nexa3D. “With both companies prioritizing customer service, customers should be safe in the knowledge that they will be taken care of as they integrate our machines into their manufacturing process.”

The news follows a recent announcement with materials provider Keystone, which saw the validation of four KeyPrint resins as compatible with the NXD 200. These key announcements will make ultrafast 3D printing a reality for more dentists and dental technicians, bringing the benefits of quality and comfort to a growing number of patients.

To dive into the exciting future of digital dentistry, Nexa3D will be hosting a webinar on November 9 at 1pm EST on how ultrafast 3D printing technology can maximize return on investments in dental applications. Register for free here https://nexa3d.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sKxs-jQoQNGHdn8iVpUx3w.

For more information on ultrafast 3D printing for dental applications, visit the Nexa3D website.

For more information on Nexa3D and its products, visit www.nexa3d.com like on Facebook, or follow on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.







DentalPlans.com Offers Essential Information and Support for Americans Living With Diabetes

Posted on Monday, November 8, 2021

Good oral health can improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease. But untreated gum disease can make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and may have a heightened adverse impact on the overall health of people living with diabetes. Consistent dental care is essential for people living with diabetes, but many Americans struggle to fit dentist visits into their budgets.

DentalPlans.com, a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the U.S. and part of the Henry Schein One portfolio of solutions, is committed to helping Americans access affordable dental care, as well as raising awareness of the many ways in which oral health impacts overall health.

This month, during American Diabetes Month, the company is focused on supporting the 34.2 million Americans – just over 1 in 10 – who have diabetes, and the 8 million American adults – approximately 1 in 3 – who have prediabetes, through information and affordable dental care options, such as dental insurance and dental savings plans.

How diabetes impacts oral health

People with diabetes have a higher risk for both gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). That’s because a person with diabetes will typically have a more severe inflammatory response to bacteria, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Bacterial plaque accumulating on teeth and gums is the main culprit behind gum disease. The body’s immune system fights infection with an inflammatory response, a normal defense mechanism intended to isolate bacteria and rid it from the body. But a strong inflammatory response can harm the tissues it’s supposed to protect, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease.

Diabetes may also cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of cavities since salvia removes decay-causing debris from teeth and gums.

Diabetes and dental care

The delayed wound healing associated with diabetes can make it more difficult to recuperate from treatments for oral disease, so it’s best to stay on top of oral care with a good at-home hygiene routine and regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Dentists and dental hygienists can develop an oral health plan for people with diabetes, focused on keeping bacterial plaque in check and addressing any infections early on – when they can be more easily controlled.

“Having access to affordable, consistent dental care has an enormous positive impact on a person’s overall health, especially those who are at a higher risk for dental issues, such as those managing diabetes,” said Jenn Stoll, Chief Commercial Officer at DentalPlans.com. “Our company is fully committed to helping people get the dental care they need in order to support their health and happiness.”

Diabetes, dental insurance, and dental savings plans

Dental insurance and dental savings plans can help people access the consistent dental care that is essential to maintaining good health.

Dental insurance typically offers deep discounts on preventive care, such as cleanings and x-rays, and can be a great option for those who need to maintain already excellent dental health. Dental savings plans provide discounts of 10-60% on most dental services, and – with no annual spending limit and immediate access to dental discounts – can be an exceptionally good choice for those whose dental expenses exceed $1,000 per year, or who need expensive dental care immediately. Many dental savings plans also include additional wellness savings such as discounts on prescriptions, teleheath, vision and hearing care, and even fitness services.

Learn more about dental savings plans today.







2021-22 AAOMS Officers and Trustees Announced

Posted on Thursday, November 4, 2021

J. David Johnson Jr., DDS, was introduced as the 2021-22 president of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) during its annual meeting in September in Nashville, Tenn. 

With AAOMS’s other officers and Board of Trustees, Johnson assumes leadership of the professional organization representing more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Johnson of Oak Ridge, Tenn., previously served as AAOMS President-Elect, Vice President and District III Trustee as well as AAOMS and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Foundation Treasurer.

“I look forward to serving as your President in the coming year,” Johnson said during his inaugural address at the House of Delegates’ third session. “We do not know where the road of life will lead us. If we pursue our AAOMS mission, ‘to assure patient access to safe and effective care,’ our association will be going in the right direction.” 

For more than 30 years, Johnson has been in private practice in Oak Ridge and Powell, Tenn. He has served as president of the Southeastern and Tennessee Societies of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, associate professor at the University of Tennessee as well as a member of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) Examination Committee, the OMS National Insurance Company (OMSNIC) Advisory Board and numerous association committees. 

For 15 years, he was the national OMS spokesperson for the American Dental Association. In 2003, he received the AAOMS Presidential Achievement Award in OMS. Johnson graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors) from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and completed his OMS residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville.

“Ten years on the AAOMS Board of Trustees as AAOMS District III Trustee, Treasurer, Vice President, President-Elect and now as AAOMS President are the culmination of my service as an advocate for our specialty,” Johnson said. “My volunteerism has been made possible by too many people to list.” 

Johnson succeeds B.D. Tiner, DDS, MD, FACS, who will serve as Immediate Past President. Other 2021-22 officers elected by the House of Delegates are President-Elect Paul J. Schwartz, DMD; Vice President Mark A. Egbert, DDS, FACS; Treasurer Robert S. Clark, DMD; and Speaker of the House Steven R. Nelson, DDS, MS. In addition, W. Frederick Stephens, DDS, joins the Board of Trustees, serving the western states in District VI for a two-year term and replacing Egbert. Trustees David M. Shafer, DMD, of District I and Debra M. Sacco, DMD, MD, of District III were re-elected to two-year terms.

Schwartz is assistant professor in oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He has served as president of the Maryland Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, AAOMS District II Trustee and an examiner and co-chair of medicine and anesthesia for ABOMS. Before his full-time academic appointment, he practiced full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Washington, D.C., metro area for more than 30 years.

Egbert has been Chief of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital since 2000. Previously, he spent 14 years as OMS Chief at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. He is an associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Washington and served five years as AAOMS District VI Trustee and eight years as an ABOMS examiner. He also has been president of the Western and Washington societies of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, a director on the OMS Foundation Board, AAOMS Delegate for 14 years and a member of AAOMS committees. 

Nelson was elected to his 20th term as Speaker of the House. He is a member of the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center and practices at Nelson, Rollert & Wells Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Denver, Colo. He also is chair of the Small Donor Committee of the Colorado Dental Political Action Committee, a member of the Colorado Dental Association Government Relations Council and a volunteer with the Colorado Dental Lifeline Network (after serving as president).

Stephens practices as a member of The Pacific Coast Center for Oral, Facial & Cosmetic Surgery in Pasadena, Calif. He has served on the ABOMS Examination Committee and as president of the California Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society. He also has served as a commissioner with and subsequent chair of the AAOMS Commission on Professional Conduct as well as an AAOMS Delegate. Stephens is a board member and treasurer and will be the 2022 chair of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Political Action Committee, and he was a director at-large for the OMS Foundation, receiving its 2015 Gerald E. Hanson Outstanding Service Award. 

Other AAOMS Trustees are Martin E. Eichner, DDS, of District II, J. David Morrison, DMD, of District IV, and Charles A. Crago, DMD, MD, FACS, of District V. The Board also includes Secretary/Executive Director Karin Wittich, CAE.

 

The experts in face, mouth and jaw surgery® 

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is the professional organization representing more than 11,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, OMS residents and OMS professional staff in the United States. AAOMS supports its fellows’ and members’ ability to practice their specialty through education, research and advocacy. AAOMS fellows and members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office anesthesia evaluations. For additional information about oral and maxillofacial surgery, visit the AAOMS websites at AAOMS.org and MyOMS.org.







AACD Welcomes Newly Credentialed Dentists to the Ranks of Elite Practitioners

Posted on Thursday, November 4, 2021

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is happy to recognize the efforts that six dental professionals have demonstrated as they dedicated themselves to continuing their education and bringing the highest level of responsible care to their patients by becoming credentialed by the AACD.

AACD Accredited status is an honor that’s achieved after completion of a rigorous credentialing process which includes a written examination, the submission of clinical cases for peer-reviewed examination, and an oral examination. The process was developed by the AACD and is the most recognized advanced credentialing program across the globe. The goal of the AACD Accreditation process is to keep the doors of education open and encourage interactions with like-minded colleagues for constant professional growth and to create a foundation of support and collaboration.

The newly Accredited Members are: Ethan D. Harris, DMD; Brett Reeve, DDS; Diana Tadros, DDS; Petteri Viljakainen, DDS; Dawn Wehking, DDS; Camille J. Zelen, DDS.

The time and commitment that is required to complete the Accreditation process demonstrates a true dedication to the profession and to bringing the utmost in responsible care to their patients. It can lead to life-changing accomplishments and should be embraced by these driven individuals with pride and a deep sense of accomplishment. They have achieved a level of professional success in dentistry that is achieved by few, and we applaud their journey.

These newly Accredited professionals will be recognized at the 38th Annual AACD Scientific Session, April 27-30, in Orlando, Florida.

For more information, visit www.aacd.com/accreditation. 

About the AACD

The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of cosmetic dental professionals in 80 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.

 







BIOLASE Announces the Launch of Epic Hygiene Academy

Posted on Thursday, November 4, 2021

Continuing education in delivering superior care for patients through laser technology

BIOLASE, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOL), the global leader in dental lasers, today announced that it has launched the Epic Hygiene Academy, bringing together leaders in the dental hygiene profession to provide improved continuing education and support the delivery of superior patient care through laser technology. Open to all dental hygienists who are BIOLASE diode laser users, the program will empower hygienists to utilize dental lasers to provide the highest quality of preventive and therapeutic dental care to their patients.

“We are committed to enabling hygienists to deliver the highest quality of care, ultimately elevating the dental industry as a whole,” said John Beaver, President and CEO of BIOLASE. “As BIOLASE continues to innovate in order to address current challenges, the program is designed to be a resource for dental hygienists with the most current and relevant technologies that they can use to provide quality care.”

Led by Valerie Dangler, RDH, BSDH, the academy will offer members a wide array of benefits including continual mentorship from industry experts, interactive case reviews and other online resources.

“I’m very excited to help lead the launch of the new Epic Hygiene Academy. This is a place dental hygienists can go to obtain information, continuing education, engage with peers and feel supported,” said Valerie Dangler. “I am proud to support a community where hygienists can collaborate with mentors and educators in laser dentistry who are committed to our profession and to the pursuit of better patient outcomes.”

The academy is also committed to exposing the next generation of hygienists to dental laser technology through dental hygiene programs that help prepare them for clinical practice. As part of this commitment, BIOLASE has selected to donate an Epic Hygiene to Greenville Technical College’s hygiene program, located in Greenville, S.C., along with training for faculty and students. The Epic Hygiene is uniquely designed by hygienists for hygienists, and is FDA-cleared for laser bacterial reduction (LBR).

“At Greenville Technical College, we are excited to partner with BIOLASE in training our faculty and students on the use of laser technology. The use of this technology and the certification our future dental hygienists will be able to obtain will benefit the college, the patients we serve, the dental hygiene profession, and the state,” said Traci Willimon, CDA, RDH, EdD, Academic Program Director of Dental Hygiene at Greenville Technical College.

Lasers have transformed the practice of dental hygienists over the last two decades. BIOLASE dental lasers have enabled hygienists to perform more procedures with greater comfort and accelerated healing for patients.

Learn more about the benefits of laser dentistry in the dental hygiene profession at biolase.com/procedures/hygienists/ and the Epic Hygiene Academy at biolase.com/EHA







Align Technology to Award Research Programs Advancing Orthodontic and Dental Patient Care

Posted on Wednesday, November 3, 2021

2022 Grant Application Process Now Open for Up to $375,000 in Funding

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) today announced the opening of its 2022 Research Award Program to support clinical and scientific dental research in universities across the globe. This year, up to $375,000 will be awarded to university faculty for scientific and technological research initiatives to advance patient care in the fields of orthodontics and dentistry. Align Technology’s Research Award Program has funded approximately $2.4 million in research since the program’s inception in 2010.

“The research supported by Align has provided valuable insights into important areas of oral healthcare and assessment, including intraoral scanning and patient experience, quality of life changes, as well as insights into the biochemical markers of bone metabolism during early orthodontic tooth movement with clear aligners,” said John Morton, Align vice president, product innovation and Technical Fellow. “We are honored to receive applications across a broad spectrum of scientific topics that relate to dentistry, clear aligner treatment, and intraoral scanning.”

“Align is committed to providing opportunities for universities to conduct research to advance the study of dental science and orthodontic treatment,” said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align vice president, global clinical. “We are impressed by the enthusiasm with which the Align Research Awards program is received by universities worldwide, as shown by the number of applications received and the diversity of research topics. In fact, we believe funding these research projects is so important to the advancement of dental and orthodontic treatment that we increased overall funding for the program.”

Awards available for dental research at universities are available in the following regions:

● Americas (US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America): Five one-year awards of up to US$25,000 each

● EMEA: Five one-year awards of up to US$25,000 each

● APAC: Five one-year awards of up to US$25,000 each

Eligible applicants for dental research awards include full- and part-time faculty involved in dental or scientific research at universities at which Invisalign® treatment or the iTero scanner is available. All applications are reviewed by an independent academic committee that forwards its recommendations to Align Technology for final selection. Program details, instructions, and application forms for prospective applicants can be found at https://learn.invisalign.com/research-awards-landing-page (for Americas, EMEA and APAC applicants). Research proposals and completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 4, 2022. Award recipients will be notified by June 6, 2022.







Penn Dental Medicine Study Finds Possible Target for Battling Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease. Though the precise mechanism of the disease is only partially understood, people with RA produce antibodies that target their own tissues, contributing to painful inflammation in the joints that can cause bone loss.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers from Penn Dental Medicine found that the molecule DEL-1—already known to protect against periodontitis and other inflammatory diseases in animal models—similarly offers protection from the joint-damaging inflammation of RA. Using two distinct models of RA, the team, led by George Hajishengallis of Penn and Triantafyllos Chavakis of Germany's Technical University of Dresden, showed that DEL-1 acted in two ways: in the joints themselves, preventing immune cells from fostering inflammation, and in the lymph nodes, interfering with the production of joint-damaging antibodies.

"We find that DEL-1 has a dual action," says Hajishengallis, "both preventing the induction of autoantibodies, but also restraining the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the joints. I think that DEL-1 could be a very valuable therapeutic for rheumatoid arthritis, though we'll need support for clinical trials in humans to test this."

Hajishengallis' and Chavakis' labs have extensively studied DEL-1 for years in other inflammatory conditions, including periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, and multiple sclerosis. They've shown that DEL-1 can restrain the initiation of inflammation and also resolve ongoing inflammation, depending on the context and location in which it is expressed.

Knowing that inflammation is the critical contributor to pathology in RA as well, they sought to test whether and how DEL-1 was at work in this new disease context.

Taken together with other previous work on DEL-1 and inflammatory conditions, the new findings lend support to the idea that DEL-1 itself could be a therapeutic in RA and perhaps other contexts, or that low DEL-1 levels could serve as a diagnostic for RA, a disease that is frequently a challenge to diagnose.

"The more genetic tools we have to investigate the role of DEL-1, the more we learn about how it is acting in these inflammatory conditions," Hajishengallis says. "We're hoping to capitalize on these discoveries in the future." Read more on the study >>

The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants DE024153, DE029436, DE028561, and DE026152) and the German Research Foundation.







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