Periodontitis Accelerates Progression of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in Mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Oral Health
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Chronic inflammation and nitric oxide (NO) depletion contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
• Periodontitis (PD), an inflammatory oral disease, is linked to cardiovascular disease but a causal relationship with HFpEF is unproven.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the direct impact of periodontitis induction on the progression of HFpEF in a mouse model.
• To elucidate the mechanistic links between PD and HFpEF pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

• Induction of periodontitis in a mouse model of HFpEF.
• Assessment of oral microbial dysbiosis.
• Echocardiography to evaluate diastolic dysfunction.
• Measurement of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis.
• Analysis of systemic blood pressure, systemic inflammation, and NO levels.

Main Results:

• Periodontitis induction led to significant oral microbial dysbiosis in HFpEF mice.
• PD accelerated diastolic dysfunction progression, increased myocardial inflammation, and fibrosis.
• Deleterious effects were mediated by elevated systemic blood pressure, systemic inflammation, and NO depletion.

Conclusions:

• Periodontitis directly exacerbates HFpEF progression in a mouse model.
• Mechanistic links include increased systemic blood pressure, inflammation, and NO depletion.
• Periodontitis emerges as a potential therapeutic target for managing HFpEF.