Abstract
Inflammation is well accepted to play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions, and recent studies have demonstrated an association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, causative agents of destructive chronic inflammation in the periodontium, can accelerate atheroma deposition in animal models. Emerging evidence suggests that vaccination against virulence factors of these pathogens and anti-inflammatory therapy may confer disease resistance. In this review, we focus on the role of inflammatory mechanisms and oxidative modification in the formation and activation of atherosclerotic plaques accelerated by P. gingivalis or A. actinomycetemcomitans in an ApoE-deficient mouse model and high-fat-diet-fed mice. Furthermore, we examine whether mucosal vaccination with a periodontal pathogen or the anti-inflammatory activity of catechins can reduce periodontal pathogen-accelerated atherosclerosis.
Highlights
Periodontitis, a chronic, destructive condition affecting a large portion of the adult population, is one of the major causes of tooth loss and characterized by a chronic infection associated with gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in the dental biofilm
Two or more periodontopathic bacteria have been detected in the cardiac valve [4, 5] and aortic aneurysm [6]; periodontal infection could affect the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
The association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is supported by a large body of evidence
Summary
Periodontitis, a chronic, destructive condition affecting a large portion of the adult population, is one of the major causes of tooth loss and characterized by a chronic infection associated with gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in the dental biofilm. It leads to irreversible destruction of tissues supporting the teeth and is clinically detectable as periodontal pockets and alveolar bone loss [1, 2]. Two or more periodontopathic bacteria have been detected in the cardiac valve [4, 5] and aortic aneurysm [6]; periodontal infection could affect the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We mention the possibility of preventing atherosclerosis by developing a vaccine for specific bacteria or common antigens, as well as by the intake of catechin, which has both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects
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