The effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis on the gut microbiome of mice in relation to aging

Abstract

Background and Objective The translocation of oral bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, to the gut has been shown to alter gut microbiome. However, the effect of P. gingivalis on gut microbiome in relation to aging has not been demonstrated. We hypothesize that P. gingivalis has more detrimental effect on gut environment with increased age. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of P. gingivalis on gut environment using aged mice. Materials and Methods C57BL/6J mice aged 4 weeks (young) or 76 weeks (old) were divided into four groups: control‐young, control‐old, P. gingivalis‐administered young, and P. gingivalis‐administered old. P. gingivalis was orally administered thrice weekly for 5 weeks. At 30 days after the last P. gingivalis administration, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to study the gut microbiome. The mRNA and protein expression of intestinal junctional barrier molecules and the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the serum were evaluated. Results Significant differences in the gut microbiomes between the groups, in terms of taxonomic abundance, bacterial diversity, and predicted metagenome function, were observed. A significant reduction in the alpha diversity and in the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiaceae, in the P. gingivalis‐administered old mice was observed. The mRNA and protein levels of Claudin‐1 and Claudin‐2 in the intestine were significantly elevated, while E‐cadherin was significantly downregulated in the P. gingivalis‐administered old mice, as were the serum levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α. Conclusion The effect of P. gingivalis on the gut environment is more pronounced in old mice than in young mice.

Potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease based on bioinformatics analysis

“…Periodontitis is a common disease characterized by Pg infection, which is not only limited to oral health but also has a profound impact on other systemic diseases. [36][37][38] In recent years, research on the genes and mechanisms of common between periodontitis and other diseases has also gained attention. 39,40 Studying the interactions between diseases and their common biological mechanisms also contributes significantly to a clearer understanding of the diseases.…”

“…Periodontitis is a common disease characterized by Pg infection, which is not only limited to oral health but also has a profound impact on other systemic diseases 36–38 . In recent years, research on the genes and mechanisms of common between periodontitis and other diseases has also gained attention 39,40 .…”

Role of prebiotic dietary fiber in periodontal disease: A systematic review of animal studies

“…These periodontal parameters are limited in scope. Recent research has involved the role of micro-RNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA) and transglutaminases in periodontal parameters which can ultimately aid in diagnosing periodontitis within the early stages ( 16 , 17 , 47 ). In particular, the link between the gut microbiome and periodontal severity can be measured via the expression of mRNA and protein expression of Claudin-1 and Claudin-2 ( 17 ).…”

“…Recent research has involved the role of micro-RNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA) and transglutaminases in periodontal parameters which can ultimately aid in diagnosing periodontitis within the early stages ( 16 , 17 , 47 ). In particular, the link between the gut microbiome and periodontal severity can be measured via the expression of mRNA and protein expression of Claudin-1 and Claudin-2 ( 17 ). Hence future direction in pre-clinical trials warrants for the inclusion of miRNA, mRNA and transglutaminases in further diagnosing the severity of periodontitis in response to a dose dependent change in dietary fiber intervention.…”

“…Moreover, within systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, miRNA-3198 and miRNA-4299 are expressed highly within the subgingival plaque of individuals suffering from periodontitis ( 16 ). A recent study has further shown the response of other RNA types in an induced model of periodontitis in mice, there is a higher level of mRNA and protein expression of Claudin-1 and Claudin-2 ( 17 ).…”