The Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on Atherosclerosis-Related Cells

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS), one of the most common types of cardiovascular disease, has initially been attributed to the accumulation of fats and fibrous materials. However, more and more researchers regarded it as a chronic inflammatory disease nowadays. Infective disease, such as periodontitis, is related to the risk of atherosclerosis. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), one of the most common bacteria in stomatology, is usually discovered in atherosclerotic plaque in patients. Furthermore, it was reported that P. gingivalis can promote the progression of atherosclerosis. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of P. gingivalis in atherosclerosis attracted attention, which is thought to be crucial to the therapy of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is much complicated, and many kinds of cells participate in it. By summarizing existing studies, we find that P. gingivalis can influence the function of many cells in atherosclerosis. It can induce the dysfunction of endothelium, promote the formation of foam cells as well as the proliferation and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells, and lead to the imbalance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (Th) cells, ultimately promoting the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. This article summarizes the specific mechanism of atherosclerosis caused by P. gingivalis. It sorts out the interaction between P. gingivalis and AS-related cells, which provides a new perspective for us to prevent or slow down the occurrence and development of AS by inhibiting periodontal pathogens.

The association between dietary vitamin C intake and periodontitis: result from the NHANES (2009–2014)

“…More than half of the world's population suffers from various degrees of periodontal disease (including periodontitis and gingivitis), and more than 10% suffer from severe periodontitis [ 1 ], which is the first cause of tooth loss in adults over 35 years old. Periodontitis is an infectious periodontal disease caused by a combination of factors, and its clinical manifestations also have some comorbidities, such as liver diseases [ 2 ], diabetes [ 3 ], atherosclerosis [ 4 ], and so on. Therefore, in addition to mechanical removal of plaque and other related operations during the treatment process, drugs and diet should also be taken to continuously treat the patient's later oral problems.…”

Salivary Microbiota Associated with Peripheral Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction

“…Poor oral hygiene and severe periodontal disease are also associated with endothelial dysfunction, and treatment of periodontal diseases may improve endothelial function [5][6][7] . In addition, specific oral bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis cause disturbances in the vascular endothelial function in vitro 8,9) . Therefore, the oral bacterial environment may have an important influence on vascular endothelial function.…”

Porphyromonas gingivalis Virulence Factors and Clinical Significance in Periodontal Disease and Coronary Artery Diseases

“…Many periodontal pathogens have been found in human atherosclerotic plaques [ 154 , 155 ]. However, the most dominant bacteria in dentistry is P. gingivalis , which is the most frequently detected bacterium in patients’ atherosclerotic plaques [ 156 ].…”