Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:15
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Periodontitis aggravates bone loss through gut microbiota alterations in ovariectomized mice
Hua Nie1, Nannan Wang1, Haowei Mao1
1Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Periodontitis worsens osteoporosis by altering gut bacteria, leading to bone loss and inflammation. Treating gum disease may help protect bone health.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health and Bone Metabolism
- Gut Microbiome Research
- Systemic Inflammation
Background:
- A bidirectional link exists between periodontitis and osteoporosis.
- Mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of gut microbiota in periodontitis-aggravated osteoporosis.
- To explore the impact of periodontitis on bone loss, intestinal barrier, and systemic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model combining ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis and ligature-induced periodontitis.
- Gut microbiota and metabolomic analyses.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) studies.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis exacerbated alveolar and femoral bone loss, impaired intestinal barrier, and increased systemic inflammation.
- Distinct gut microbial and metabolic alterations were observed in periodontitis mice.
- FMT from periodontitis donors worsened bone loss; FMT from treated donors showed partial alleviation.
Conclusions:
- Periodontitis may aggravate osteoporosis through gut microbiota-dependent pathways.
- Maintaining oral health is crucial for mitigating systemic bone loss associated with periodontitis.
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