Intersecting Pathways: Oral Microbiome Dynamics and Systemic Implications
Within the complex interplay of human physiology, the oral microbiome emerges as a pivotal determinant, exerting influence not only on oral health but also intricately woven into broader systemic well-being. Contemporary research has revealed the profound impact of oral health on various systemic diseases, elucidating a bidirectional relationship extending beyond the oral cavity.
Gateway to Systemic Circulation: Mechanisms Involved
The oral microbiome, comprising diverse micro-organisms, possesses the capability to access systemic circulation through two principal mechanisms [1]:
Anatomical Proximity: Gingival pockets, close to the blood supply, facilitate direct entry into systemic circulation, notably observable in instances of gum bleeding.
Gastrointestinal Transit: Serving as the inception point of the gastrointestinal tract, the oral cavity provides a conduit for microorganisms to reach systemic organs through ingestion and absorption in the intestines.
Individuals afflicted with periodontal disease demonstrate a noteworthy escalation in the quantity of oral bacteria entering the circulation compared to their healthier counterparts. This underscores a dynamic relationship between periodontal disease and systemic conditions, exemplified by three illustrative cases.
1. Alzheimer's Disease: A Neurological Discourse
The presence of P. gingivalis and its metabolic derivatives in the cerebral tissues of Alzheimer's disease patients prompts a reconsideration of the oral-systemic interface. Gingipains, lipopolysaccharides, and outer-membrane vesicles from P. gingivalis have been discerned in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, with gingipains, in particular, colocalizing with tau proteins, contributing to tau tangle formation—an integral component of Alzheimer's pathology [2].
2. Atherosclerosis: Unraveling Cardiovascular Connections
In cases of periodontitis, inflammatory cytokines entering systemic circulation elicit an acute-phase response, contributing to processes like atherosclerosis. Furthermore, P. gingivalis detection in atherosclerotic lesions suggests its potential as a pro-atherogenic stimulus. This revelation not only deepens our comprehension of cardiovascular health but also underscores the systemic impact of compromised oral health [3].
3. Autoimmune Diseases: The Link with Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis of the oral microbiome is intricately linked to autoimmunity and several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA)[4], systemic lupus erythematosus, and primary Sjogren syndrome. The connection between the oral microbiome and rheumatoid arthritis, extensively studied, implicates P. gingivalis and chronic periodontal inflammation in breaking immune tolerance and generating anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs).
ACPAs, the primary auto-antibodies responsible for tissue destruction in RA, arise in inflamed gingiva due to protein citrullination by P. gingivalis. These antibodies are believed to traverse from gingival crevicular fluid into the bloodstream and subsequently onto synovial joint tissue, instigating autoimmune reactions [5].
A Comprehensive Approach to Oral and Systemic Health
Considering these findings, it is evident that maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is not only vital for averting oral diseases but also plays a pivotal role in upholding systemic health. As we unravel the intricate connections between oral and systemic well-being, adopting evidence-based, holistic approaches to oral hygiene becomes imperative.
Regular dental assessments, meticulous oral hygiene practices, and a conscientious approach to systemic health collectively contribute to fostering equilibrium within the oral microbiome, promoting overall health and mitigating the onset of systemic diseases.
References
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[2] Dominy, S.S., Lynch, C., Ermini, F., Benedyk, M., Marczyk, A., Konradi, A., Nguyen, M., Haditsch, U., Raha, D., Griffin, C., Holsinger, L.J., Arastu-Kapur, S., Kaba, S., Lee, A., Ryder, M.I., Potempa, B., Mydel, P., Hellvard, A., Adamowicz, K. and Hasturk, H. (2019). Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Science advances, [online] 5(1), p.eaau3333. doi:https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aau3333.
[3] Lockhart, P.B., Bolger, A.F., Papapanou, P.N., Osinbowale, O., Trevisan, M., Levison, M.E., Taubert, K.A., Newburger, J.W., Gornik, H.L., Gewitz, M.H., Wilson, W.R., Smith, S.C. and Baddour, L.M. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association? Circulation, 125(20), pp.2520–2544. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0b013e31825719f3.
[4] Cheng Z, Do T, Mankia K, Meade J, Hunt L, Clerehugh V, et al. Dysbiosis in the oral microbiomes of anti-CCP positive individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80:162–8.
[5] Krutyhołowa, A., Strzelec, K., Dziedzic, A., Bereta, G.P., Łazarz-Bartyzel, K., Potempa, J. and Gawron, K. (2022). Host and bacterial factors linking periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Frontiers in Immunology, 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.980805.