Celebrating Excellence in Research: The SUNSTAR Young Investigator Award at the 68th Annual Scientific Meeting

The 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Society of Periodontology

The 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Society of Periodontology recently took place, celebrating the achievements of young researchers in the field of periodontology. During this significant event, held in Naha, Okinawa on May 23, 2025, two outstanding young researchers were recognized with the prestigious Young Investigator Award, known as the SUNSTAR Award. This recognition reflects their exceptional contributions to periodontology research.

Award Winners

The recipients of the 2024 Young Investigator Award are:

- Moyuka Kubota from Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, who presented her research on the effects of periodontal inflammation on daily glucose fluctuations.
- Kohei Sato from Kyushu University Graduate School of Dental Science, recognized for his study on how experimental periodontitis exacerbates diabetic nephropathy through specific cellular mechanisms.

Awards Ceremony Highlights

The awards were presented by Nobuo Yoshinari, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Periodontology, who bestowed the Young Investigator Award plaques, while Takashi Yoshimura, Executive Officer at SUNSTAR, awarded the winners with pens and monetary prizes. This year's award ceremony marks the 10th anniversary of the SUNSTAR initiative, which aims to shine a spotlight on the innovative presentations by emerging researchers in the field.

Research Presentations

Moyuka Kubota - Research on Periodontal Disease and Glucose Variability

Kubota’s study, titled Impact of Periodontal Inflammation on Daily Fluctuations in Blood Glucose, utilized a mouse model of periodontitis alongside a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to assess the changes in blood glucose levels over time. The findings revealed a correlation between the progression of periodontal disease and increased insulin resistance, suggesting that periodontal condition may adversely affect the daily glucose metabolism of diabetic patients. Kubota expressed her gratitude for the support of her mentors at Okayama University and is committed to furthering research on the connection between periodontal disease and diabetes.

Kohei Sato - Exploring Linkages Between Periodontitis and Diabetic Nephropathy

Sato’s research, titled Experimental Periodontitis Promotes Glomerular Fibrosis through Increased HPGDS Expression in KK-Ay Mice with Diabetic Nephropathy, investigated how periodontal inflammation contributes to the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Sato’s findings indicated that mice with periodontitis exhibited significantly higher levels of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and increased expressions of fibrosis-related genes in kidney tissue. The study also highlighted enhanced HPGDS expression linked to increased PGD2 production, which provides insights into the molecular mechanisms connecting periodontal disease and diabetic nephropathy. Sato emphasized the potential for these findings to improve interdisciplinary approaches in preventative care for severe diabetic nephropathy.

SUNSTAR's Commitment to Research

Since its establishment in 2015, the SUNSTAR Young Investigator Award has played a crucial role in supporting young talents in the field of periodontology. In addition to this award, SUNSTAR also supports broader initiatives aimed at honoring researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of periodontal research over the years.

Conclusion

The award ceremony at the 68th Annual Meeting not only highlighted the achievements of the awardees but also underscored SUNSTAR's ongoing commitment to fostering research in periodontology. As the company continues to advocate for the advancement of preventive oral health care, it plays an integral role in supporting upcoming researchers dedicated to understanding complex connections within oral and systemic health. With a vision to promote health through oral care, SUNSTAR aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals globally.

For further details regarding the awards and the research presented, the official website of the Japanese Society of Periodontology provides comprehensive information.

Additional Information

About SUNSTAR Group

The SUNSTAR Group is a global company based in Switzerland, focusing on oral care, health foods, and cosmetics. With a commitment to enhancing overall health through oral hygiene, SUNSTAR promotes comprehensive solutions that contribute to extending healthy lifespans and improving quality of life.