Modulating oral microbiome in periodontitis

A novel therapy could simultaneously treat periodontitis and rebalance the oral microbiome.

Experts detailed that while periodontitis is a polymicrobial disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis is often seen as a fundamental oral pathogen in causing oral microbial dysbiosis, according to a news article from Dentistry. Despite therapeutics such as antimicrobials that can reduce oral pathogens, these treatments often have broad adverse effects on the oral microbiome.

In a study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, researchers used scanning electron microscopy and endotoxin assays to evaluate the efficacy of the photoimmunotherapy known as near-infrared photo-antibacterial targeting therapy compared with standard antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in an in vitro setting. They then tested the effects of the therapy on alveolar bone resorption and microbial diversity in a mouse model.

After treating the samples with near-infrared photo-antibacterial targeting therapy, the researchers noted the elimination of P. gingivalis bacteria through lethal transmembrane perforation without inflicting damage on the human cells or nonpathogenic bacteria. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was also capable of eliminating P. gingivalis through bacterial fragmentation and disintegration. However, this treatment led to the release of immunogenic lipopolysaccharides that exacerbated periodontal inflammation, while near-infrared photo-antibacterial targeting therapy stifled the release of these compounds. Mouse models demonstrated that the novel therapy inhibited alveolar bone resorption and encouraged the transformation of the oral microbiome toward a more health-associated state by facilitating the proliferation of oral commensal bacteria.

The research in this study revealed a novel treatment avenue in patients with periodontitis, potentially allowing for the restoration of a healthy oral microbiome by targeting the shortcomings of current treatment modalities. The researchers hope to develop approaches to target other pathogens associated with oral health issues in future studies.

Read more: Dentistry

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