Oral P. gingivalis infection alters the vascular reactivity in healthy and spontaneously atherosclerotic mice
2011

Impact of P. gingivalis Infection on Vascular Reactivity in Mice

Sample size: 29 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Raquel B Pereira, Elisardo C Vasquez, Ivanita Stefanon, Silvana S Meyrelles

Primary Institution: Federal University of Espirito Santo

Hypothesis

Does oral P. gingivalis infection alter vascular responsiveness in mice with spontaneous atherosclerosis?

Conclusion

Oral P. gingivalis infection increases vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine in both healthy and atherosclerotic mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • P. gingivalis infection significantly enhanced vasoconstriction to phenylephrine in both healthy and atherosclerotic mice.
  • Alveolar bone resorption was confirmed in all infected mice.
  • Non-infected ApoE mice were hyperreactive to phenylephrine compared to non-infected healthy mice.

Takeaway

This study shows that a bacteria from the mouth can make blood vessels react more strongly, which might be bad for heart health.

Methodology

Mice were infected with P. gingivalis and vascular responses were measured using various agonists.

Limitations

Only one periodontal pathogen was studied, and the effects of multiple pathogens were not assessed.

Participant Demographics

Adult male C57 and ApoE mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-511X-10-80

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