Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
Published on: December 17, 2015
Porphyromonas gingivalis, neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease
Prof Victor Owoyele1, Samira Malekzadeh2
1Associate Editor, NJPS. deleyele@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
The oral microbiota dysbiosis, as well as lifestyle, geographical location, drug consumption, and dietary habits, are involved in the incidence and progression of dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and some diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative disease e.g., Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD is the most common cause of neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly. Also, neuroinflammation is the most common cause of AD pathogenesis. This study investigated the possible relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Alzheimer's Disease. This review is based on research studies indexed in Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The oral microbiota comprised various microorganisms, such as fungi, archaea, and bacteria. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is one of the microorganisms, it stimulates host immune cells and releases cytokines, lysosomal enzymes, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species that lead to cell damage, apoptosis, and inflammation. Therefore, periodontal disease (PerioD) through systemic inflammation leads to some problems like the progression of MCI, production and aggregation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein in the brain of the elderly population. In addition, some treatment methods could modulate the adverse effects of P. gingivalis like probiotic dietary supplements, maintaining personal hygiene, as well as gingipain inhibitors which modulate cytokines through blocked Aβ production, ApoE proteolysis, and reduced neuroinflammation. In addition, therapeutic compounds like COR388 and COR286, as gingipain inhibitors, prevent P. gingivalis colonization in the brain and have a beneficial action in some conditions like aspiration pneumonia, low birth rate, rheumatoid arthritis, PerioD and AD.
Insights
Oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis may contribute to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathogenesis through neuroinflammation. Treatments targeting this bacterium show promise for AD and other inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Oral microbiota dysbiosis is linked to various diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
- Neuroinflammation is a primary driver of AD pathogenesis, particularly in the elderly population.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), an oral bacterium, triggers immune responses leading to inflammation and cell damage.
Approach:
- This review synthesized research from Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
- Investigated the potential association between P. gingivalis and Alzheimer's Disease.
- Examined the role of oral microbiota in systemic health and neurodegenerative diseases.
Key Points:
- P. gingivalis releases substances that cause cell damage, apoptosis, and inflammation.
- Periodontal disease (PerioD) can exacerbate Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and promote beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein aggregation in the brain.
- Gingipain inhibitors and probiotic supplements may mitigate P. gingivalis effects by reducing neuroinflammation and Aβ production.
Conclusions:
- P. gingivalis is implicated in the progression of AD and other inflammatory conditions.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting P. gingivalis, such as gingipain inhibitors (e.g., COR388, COR286), show potential in preventing brain colonization and reducing neuroinflammation.
- Maintaining oral hygiene and exploring novel treatments are crucial for managing P. gingivalis-associated diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

