# Zonulin and Biobehavioral Mechanisms in Oral Inflammatory Diseases

> **NIH NIH F31** · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $45,520

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Zonulin and Biobehavioral Mechanisms in Oral Inflammatory Diseases
The prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases has increased over the last 50 years. Patients with such
diseases are faced with potentially life-long symptoms that affect their overall health and quality of life. Both
biological and psychological factors have been demonstrated to affect the inflammatory response of the
immune system, including in periodontal disease patients. The oral cavity and the rest of the human digestive
system function as primary barriers between an individual and potential toxins or other harmful substances.
Zonulin, a protein, disrupts this barrier function in the gut via an increase in the permeability of epithelial and
vascular tissues, which induces an inflammatory response that can migrate to other bodily systems. Zonulin
has been implicated in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases, yet no studies have examined its effects on
oral inflammatory diseases (e.g., periodontal disease). Likewise, there is a dearth of research on the
psychological mechanisms of the zonulin pathway. The primary objectives of the proposed research and
training plan are to first, add to the understanding of biological and psychological mechanisms that may be
contributing to oral disease development via the zonulin pathway which could have implications for new
diagnostic methods, and durable, cost-effective interventions. Secondly, the research and training plans are
designed to facilitate biological, interdisciplinary, and translational research opportunities that would not be
possible to obtain without the fellowship. These objectives will provide a unique and value-added experience to
the fellow and expedite the launching of his scientific career to focus on an important-yet-understudied area
with a potential high impact for oral health research. The first aim of the research is to examine whether
patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease have higher zonulin levels than patients with health
gingiva. A second aim is to examine whether zonulin mediates the relation between stress and pro-
inflammatory cytokines. Thus, this project is aimed to explore the possibility of psychological mechanisms that
alter zonulin levels and thereby affect permeability and potential oral inflammation. These aims will be met by
collecting data from patients with a range of periodontal disease severity via blood/saliva samples, validated
psychological assessments, and a periodontal examination and to conduct statistical analyses testing for
specific associations. Results of the study will aid in developing potential salivary diagnostic tools and specific
interventions (e.g., to reduce stress) that could improve the outcome of periodontal disease. The training goals
will be reached under the guidance of two expert co-sponsors and a team of consultants by attending a
summer research experience in mucosal immunology and periodontics, psychoneuroimmunology, biological
re...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9829040
- **Project number:** 5F31DE027859-02
- **Recipient organization:** WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Casey D Wright
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $45,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-03-01 → 2021-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9829040

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9829040, Zonulin and Biobehavioral Mechanisms in Oral Inflammatory Diseases (5F31DE027859-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9829040. Licensed CC0.

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