Xerostomia in Pre- and Post-Menopause and Its Interface with Women's Oral Health: Clinical Observatory of Women's Oral Health and Morphological Studies

• Grant number: 25/03765-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Vanessa Lourenço
• Grantee: Giovanna Piacenza Florezi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12807-5 - Xerostomia in pre and post-menopause and its interface with women's oral health: investigation from bench to bedside, AP.TEM

Abstract

Menopause is a key milestone in female aging, bringing numerous systemic and local consequences, including changes in oral health. These changes warrant in-depth investigation, as they impact various aspects of women's quality of life. Among the most significant alterations is xerostomia, which compromises the health and function of the tissues and organs within the stomatognathic system. The mechanisms underlying menopause-related xerostomia remain largely unclear. However, a deeper understanding of this condition could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and symptom management strategies, ultimately benefiting patients. To explore this issue, we will adopt the concept of citizen science by establishing a Women's Oral Health Clinical Observatory. Our study is based on the hypothesis that declining estrogen levels may affect the function of aquaporins in various systems, including the mucosa, salivary glands, and vasculature. This imbalance could trigger secondary tissue alterations, leading to oral mucosa dryness. Furthermore, these mechanisms may exacerbate the chronic inflammatory state associated with hypoestrogenism, intensifying menopausal symptoms. Given this context, our project outlines the following challenges in its first two phases: Mapping the primary effects of menopause on women's oral health through the creation of the Women's Oral Health Clinical Observatory and Investigating the impact of menopause on the salivary glands, analyzing the timeline of receptor expression crucial for saliva production and glandular parenchyma maintenance. To achieve this, we will implement Artificial Intelligence strategies, incorporating innovation into each of these objectives. With this approach, we aim not only to deepen our understanding of menopause's effects on oral health but also to contribute to the development of new prevention and treatment strategies.