A new approach to transfect NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides into the periodontal tissue using the ultrasound-microbubble method

Research Summary

Periodontitis: A novel technique for delivering therapeutics

A combination of tiny gas-filled bubbles and ultrasound radiation can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory agents into periodontal tissue. The treatment produces pores in the surface of cells, facilitating the passage of therapeutics. Yuji Ishida of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University and collaborators successfully used the technique to transfer specific decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) into the oral tissues of healthy mice. These ODN are short stretches of genetic material that block the action of a key immune response modulator, preventing the expression of inflammatory proteins. Previous studies have demonstrated the clinical utility of this method in arterial disease; however, Ishida’s team show that ultrasound and microbubble treatment with decoy ODN reduces the expression of inflammatory proteins in periodontal tissue. The method offers a promising, noninvasive method to treat inflammatory oral disease.