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Review
. 2020 Nov 13;9(11):944.
doi: 10.3390/pathogens9110944.

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Its Systemic Impact: Current Status

Feng Mei  1   2 , Mengru Xie  1   2 , Xiaofei Huang  1   2 , Yanlin Long  1   2 , Xiaofeng Lu  1   2 , Xiaoli Wang  3 , Lili Chen  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Its Systemic Impact: Current Status

Feng Mei et al. Pathogens. .

Abstract

The relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, notably including atherosclerosis and diabetes, has been studied for several years. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a prominent component of oral microorganism communities, is the main pathogen that causes periodontitis. As a result of the extensive analysis of this organism, the evidence of its connection to systemic diseases has become more apparent over the last decade. A significant amount of research has explored the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, while relatively few studies have examined its contribution to respiratory diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and depression. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge about Porphyromonas gingivalis and its systemic impact in an aim to inform readers of the existing epidemiological evidence and the most recent preclinical studies. Additionally, the possible mechanisms by which Porphyromonas gingivalis is involved in the onset or exacerbation of diseases, together with its effects on systemic health, are covered. Although a few results remain controversial, it is now evident that Porphyromonas gingivalis should be regarded as a modifiable factor for several diseases.

Keywords: Porphyromonas gingivalis; periodontitis; systemic diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced stimulation of accelerated atherosclerosis. The possible underlying mechanisms can be summarized as follows: (i) inflammation, (ii) endothelial injury, (iii) lipid peroxidation, and (iv) molecular mimicry. ox-LDL: oxidized low-density lipoprotein.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cancer-associated processes in which Porphyromonas gingivalis may be implicated.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scheme for the presumed mechanisms by which Porphyromonas gingivalis may access the brain and its pathogenic mechanisms. BBB: blood–brain barrier.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Strategies by which Porphyromonas gingivalis can invade the whole body, along with simple a schematic representation of Porphyromonas gingivalis-associated systemic diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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