Unveiling the Oral-Gut Connection: Chronic Periodontal Infection Accelerates Atherosclerosis via Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Altered Metabolites in apoE-/- Mice on a High-Fat Diet

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) on atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). The investigation focused on gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal barrier function to uncover potential links between oral health and cardiovascular disease. In this research, CAP was found to exacerbate atherosclerosis in HFD-fed apoE−/− mice, as evident from increased plaque size and volume in arterial walls by Oil Red-O staning. 16S rRNA sequence uncovered significant alterations in gut microbiota, with harmful bacterial species thriving while beneficial ones declined. Metabolomic profiling indicated disruptions in lipid metabolism and primary bile acid synthesis, leading to elevated levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TDCA). These metabolic shifts may contribute to atherosclerosis development. Furthermore, the study observed impairment in intestinal barrier function, characterized by reduced mucin expression and disrupted tight junction proteins. The increased intestinal permeability observed positively correlated with the extent of atherosclerotic lesions, emphasizing the significance of the intestinal barrier in cardiovascular health. In conclusion, this research underscores the intricate interplay between oral health, gut microbiota composition, metabolite profiles, and cardiovascular disease. It highlights the exacerbating effect of CAP on atherosclerosis in the context of a high-fat diet. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a potential preventive measure against cardiovascular issues, as well as the need for further investigations into the intricate mechanisms linking oral health, gut microbiota, and metabolic pathways in cardiovascular disease development.