Subgingival host-microbiome metatranscriptomic changes following scaling and root planing in grade II/III...

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Microbiome Research
• Host-Microbe Interactions

Background:

• Periodontitis is a complex disease involving host and microbial factors.
• Understanding the dynamic interplay between the host and microbiome is crucial for effective treatment.
• Subgingival plaque harbors a complex microbial community and influences host response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of scaling and root planing (SRP) on host and microbiome gene expression.
• To analyze changes in subgingival plaque following periodontal treatment.
• To differentiate treatment effects based on periodontal site stability.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 14 periodontitis patients over 18 months.
• Classification of tooth sites as stable, progressing, or fluctuating based on clinical attachment level (CAL).
• Dual RNA-Sequencing of subgingival plaque samples pre- and post-SRP to analyze host and bacterial transcriptomes.

Main Results:

• Microbiome and host responses varied significantly between stable, progressing, and fluctuating sites.
• Progressing sites showed the most substantial microbiome alterations post-SRP, with reductions in Porphyromonas gingivalis and increases in Fusobacterium nucleatum.
• Host transcriptome analysis revealed impacts on IL-17, TNF signaling, and neutrophil extracellular trap pathways.

Conclusions:

• SRP induced significant "rewiring" of host and microbial activities in progressing periodontal sites.
• Microbiome restructuring was minimal in stable and fluctuating sites post-SRP.
• Treatment effects are site-specific, highlighting the importance of personalized periodontal therapy.