Dr. Adomas Rovas. Photo: VU MF
“I think there were a lot of new, interesting, and sometimes difficult experiences during my doctoral studies that made me grow as a person,” says Dr Adomas Rovas, who was recently awarded his PhD in Dentistry. During his 4-year PhD study, the young scientist examined over 240 patients. It is expected that the findings of his research will contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis in the future.
In July this year, you successfully defended your doctoral degree in the field of dental science on The Expression of MicroRNA Specific to Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and its Relationship to Clinical Indicators. Tell me what problem did you examine in your research? What is your dissertation about?
The research was carried out to identify microRNR molecules associated with inflammation in the periodontal tissue, which could be used in the future to develop diagnostic and therapeutic preparations in the treatment of periodontitis. This condition is a very common, chronic infectious disease, which causes inflammation in the gums and bones around the teeth. In the long term, without treatment, the disease causes teeth loss, and bacteria from the mouth spread throughout the body, increasing the risk of various other diseases developing, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, atherosclerosis or even Alzheimer's disease.
Some of the subjects in this study had rheumatoid arthritis, which was only used to more specifically identify the microRNA associated with inflammation and immunity. In the study, we found 4 microRNA molecules that are strongly related to periodontitis that could be indicators in diagnostic and therapeutic preparations in the future.
What difficulties did you encounter during the investigation?
During this work, I had to work intensively with scientists who carry out genetic research, with doctors of rheumatology and other medical specialists, and expand my knowledge in areas that are not directly related to my daily work. I also had to master statistical methods, the peculiarities of writing scientific articles and other new aspects. All this was a new challenge and a first attempt, but with the help of the supervisor, the consultants and colleagues, everything was overcome. And so, I am glad that I did not experience any major difficulties during my studies.
How can this topic be relevant to society? How important are the results of your research? What scientific advances can be developed in the future?
In this study, we tried to look at the acute problem of periodontitis from a new angle, including the current lack of new, non-invasive periodontal diagnostic methods. Unfortunately, in the study sample, periodontitis was strongly prevalent, particularly among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. These data add to previously published studies and describe the significant harm to the overall health of the body that can be caused by periodontitis. It is important that during this study, several inflammatory-related microRNA molecules were identified, which in the future may be useful as markers in low-invasive periodontitis diagnostic fluid from the gingival sulcus.
Dr. Adomas Rovas. Photo: VU MF
Has this research developed you as a person, scientist, and specialist?
The study lasted 4 years, during which, more than 240 patients had to be examined. Some of them had rheumatic arthritis or other diseases. I think that this helped me as a periodontist to better recognize the peculiarities of periodontal conditions in people with rheumatoid arthritis or other concomitant diseases, and to choose more precisely the strategies for further treatment. Meanwhile, the analysis of the data obtained, the mastery of new statistical methods and programmes, and writing scientific articles have all helped me to become a better scientist. I think there were many new, interesting and challenging experiences during my doctoral studies that have developed me as an individual.
If one sentence could be used to describe your experience of the doctoral studies period, what would it be?
Doctoral studies are an exciting and memorable journey, during which you will experience many impressions, and the outcome will be worth any difficulties you may come across.