Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Oral Medicine and Periodontology)

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    Investigating the role of host genetic polymorphisms in periodontitis susceptibility in a Western Cape population
    (University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kabbashi, Salma Mohamed Khalifa; Chetty, Manogari
    Background: Over the last three decades, severe periodontitis has steadily increased worldwide, creating a notable public health burden, especially in Africa. This complex, multifactorial disease often remains undiagnosed until irreversible periodontal damage has occurred. While microbial biofilm is key to the disease onset, the host’s immune-inflammatory response primarily drives tissue destruction. Periodontitis results from complex interactions between the oral microbiome, the host immune system, and environmental factors in susceptible individuals. The disease negatively impacts oral and general health, reducing quality of life. Periodontitis management is costly and requires skilled personnel for long-term care, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. Understanding periodontitis pathogenesis involves studying both host genetics and microbial factors. Research shows that genetic susceptibility varies by ethnicity, with disparities in periodontitis prevalence across populations. In South Africa, limited dental access and diverse ethnicities add complexity to predicting disease progression, making it essential to explore genetic and bacterial factors to identify risk profiles in different demographics. Filling this gap may guide future diagnostic tools and precision dentistry. Aims: This study aimed at identifying the genetic polymorphisms which influence susceptibility to periodontitis and to characterize the sub-gingival bacterial communities of periodontal pockets in periodontitis patients in a Western Cape population.
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    Assessment of pain perception linked to COMT-gene activity in diagnostic groups with temporomandibular joint disorders in a South African population
    (Universty of the Western Cape, 2023) Meyer, Mark Keith; Chetty, Manogari
    Pain affects a large segment of the population suffering from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). This persistent TMD pain may lead to physical, psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial symptoms. The chronicity of pain may be affected by genetic factors, and in the last decade much research was done investigating the impact of genetic factors and its relationship to pain perception. Several genes have been identified as potentially modulating TMD. The genes that have been identified to support the development of TMD include those related to the sensation of pain. Specific target genes associated to the catecholaminergic system, like the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene, are linked to regulating the nociceptive process. The main objective of this study was to correlate pain perception in patients with TMD and the association with various COMT gene SNPs in a South African population. This study also assessed how various COMT gene SNPs impacts the psychosocial behaviour of patients suffering from TMD.