Substance P involvement in the interaction between Streptococcus mutans and human aortic endothelial cells

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Streptococcus mutans is linked to dental caries and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Substance P (SP) plays roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
• The interaction between S. mutans, SP, and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) in CVD is unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate SP expression in HAECs stimulated by S. mutans.
• Clarify SP's role in S. mutans-HAEC interactions.
• Examine SP's cooperative action with DMBT1 in the context of CVD.

Main Methods:

• HAECs were stimulated with S. mutans strains.
• Analyzed SP expression via dot blot and RT-PCR.
• Assessed S. mutans binding, aggregation, invasion, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• S. mutans induced SP production in HAECs.
• SP directly bound to and agglutinated S. mutans, especially with DMBT1.
• SP reduced S. mutans invasion, cytokine release, and cytotoxicity in HAECs.
• DMBT1 enhanced SP's protective effects.

Conclusions:

• SP, with DMBT1, offers protection against S. mutans-induced CVD processes in HAECs.
• SP modulates HAEC responses to S. mutans, mitigating pathogenic effects.
• This highlights a potential therapeutic role for SP and DMBT1 in CVD prevention.