Abstract
Based initially on epidemiological studies, an association between periodontitis and atherosclerosis has been suggested. In addition, several recent murine model studies have indicated that one periodontopathic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can exacerbate heart lesion formation. This organism, as well as other suspected periodontopathogens, can also be demonstrated in human atheromas. Therefore, though not unequivocal, the present data from a variety of approaches are consistent with a role for periodontitis in cardiovascular disease. This review will discuss potential mechanisms which could explain a role for periodontitis in atherosclerosis. Both general inflammatory mechanisms as well as specific bacterial interactions with cardiac tissue, primarily mediated by Porphyromonas gingivalis, will be described. In addition, the complex nature of atherosclerosis suggests that it will be difficult to precisely define the relationship between these two diseases.
