Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Dentistry

Copyright Statement

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Department

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Xiaozhe Han

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2026

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Diabetes is a major risk factor for peri-implantitis. This study investigated the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in peri-implant inflammation and oral microbiome alterations under hyperglycemic and normoglycemic conditions. Wild-type (WT) and diabetic (db/db) mice with maxillary implants underwent ligature placement with or without IL-17A neutralization. Db/db mice exhibited greater peri-implant bone loss, increased osteoclastogenesis, and elevated RANKL/OPG ratio compared to WT. These changes were accompanied by higher Il17a expression, reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines (Il1rn, Il10, Vegfa), increased Th17 infiltration, and deficient Treg responses. Anti-IL-17A treatment attenuated inflammation and bone resorption in both groups. Notably, ligature-induced Il17f upregulation occurred only in db/db mice. Microbial alterations induced by ligature were partially alleviated by IL-17A inhibition in WT mice, whereas diabetes-associated alterations persisted regardless of ligation or treatment. Cellular pro-inflammatory responses to peri-implant microbiota could be more effectively alleviated by IL-17A inhibition in WT than in DB. These findings suggest that exacerbated peri-implantitis in diabetes is driven by heightened IL-17-mediated inflammation and persistent microbial alterations, underscoring the need for more comprehensive therapeutic approaches to address this disease under diabetic conditions.

Disciplines

Dentistry

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