Oral bacteria and leaky endothelial junctions in remote extraoral sites

Periodontitis and periodontal pathogens have been associated with systemic complications that influence comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. Using a zebrafish larvae infection model, Farrugia et al. show that Porphyromonas gingivalis causes vascular damage and increased endothelial permeability by degrading, via its gingipain proteases, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and vascular endothelial cadherin, which are crucial for endothelial junctional integrity. These findings suggest a molecular mechanism whereby this oral pathogen may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and perhaps atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.