New Study Links Periodontal Bacteria to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research reveals how periodontal bacteria, specifically Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis by activating inflammatory pathways. Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University offer hope for novel treatments to manage RA and other systemic diseases linked to oral health.
A study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) has unveiled a key connection between periodontal diseases and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), potentially paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. Periodontal diseases, primarily caused by the accumulation of bacterial biofilm such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, is well known for leading to tooth loss. However, this recent research, published in the International Journal of Oral Science, delves into its systemic implications.
Using a collagen antibody-induced arthritis mouse model, researchers found that infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans heightened arthritis symptoms, such as limb swelling and joint inflammation, by increasing the production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1b (IL-1b). Further investigations revealed that this bacteria-induced inflammation activates the inflammasome—a protein complex that modulates the immune system’s inflammatory response.
Experiments on caspase-11-deficient mice showed less inflammation and reduced arthritis symptoms, underscoring the role of caspase-11 in this process. The study suggests that inhibiting inflammasome activation could alleviate RA symptoms and possibly other systemic diseases, including Alzheimer disease, linked to periodontal bacteria. These findings offer a fresh perspective on the long-debated connection between oral health and chronic inflammatory diseases, highlighting potential targets for future treatments. Click here to read more.
