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Invasion of vascular cells in vitro by Porphyromonas endodontalis
B R Dorn1, L J Harris, C T Wujick
1Center for Molecular Microbiology, Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Aim:
The objective of this study was to determine whether laboratory strains and clinical isolates of microorganisms associated with root canal infections can invade primary cultures of cardiovascular cells.
Methodology:
Quantitative levels of bacterial invasion of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC) were measured using a standard antibiotic protection assay. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm and visualize internalization within the vascular cells.
Results:
Of the laboratory and clinical strains tested, only P. endodontalis ATCC 35406 was invasive in an antibiotic protection assay using HCAEC and CASMC. Invasion of P. endodontalis ATCC 35406 was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.
Discussion:
Certain microorganisms associated with endodontic infections are invasive. If bacterial invasion of the vasculature contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, then microorganisms in the pulp chamber represent potential pathogens.
Insights
Certain root canal bacteria, like P. endodontalis, can invade cardiovascular cells. This finding suggests oral pathogens may contribute to cardiovascular disease development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Root canal infections harbor microorganisms with potential systemic implications.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have complex etiologies, with infectious links being investigated.
- The ability of oral bacteria to invade cardiovascular cells remains an area of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the invasiveness of microorganisms from root canal infections into primary cardiovascular cell cultures.
- To determine if specific bacterial strains or isolates can penetrate human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC).
Main Methods:
- Quantitative assessment of bacterial invasion using an antibiotic protection assay.
- Confirmation and visualization of bacterial internalization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Testing of both laboratory strains and clinical isolates of root canal-associated microorganisms.
Main Results:
- Only *Porphyromonas endodontalis* ATCC 35406 demonstrated invasiveness against HCAEC and CASMC.
- Bacterial invasion by *P. endodontalis* ATCC 35406 was successfully confirmed using transmission electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Specific microorganisms linked to endodontic infections possess invasive capabilities.
- Bacterial invasion of the vasculature by oral pathogens could be a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
- Microorganisms residing in the pulp chamber may represent significant pathogens with systemic reach.