Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A new vision in the understanding of periodontal health and disease
Breivik TJ, Gjermo P, Gundersen Y, Opstad PK, Murison R, Hugoson A, von Hörsten S, Fristad I (2024)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2024
Journal
DOI: 10.1111/prd.12610
Abstract
This review highlights the significance of interactions between the microbiota, immune system, nervous and hormonal systems, and the brain on periodontal health and disease. Microorganisms in the microbiota, immune cells, and neurons communicate via homeostatic nervous and hormonal systems, regulating vital body functions. By modulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adaptive immune responses, these systems control the composition and number of microorganisms in the microbiota. The strength of these brain-controlled responses is genetically determined but is sensitive to early childhood stressors, which can permanently alter their responsiveness via epigenetic mechanisms, and to adult stressors, causing temporary changes. Clinical evidence and research with humans and animal models indicate that factors linked to severe periodontitis enhance the responsiveness of these homeostatic systems, leading to persistent hyperactivation. This weakens the immune defense against invasive symbiotic microorganisms (pathobionts) while strengthening the defense against non-invasive symbionts at the gingival margin. The result is an increased gingival tissue load of pathobionts, including Gram-negative bacteria, followed by an excessive innate immune response, which prevents infection but simultaneously destroys gingival and periodontal tissues. Thus, the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adaptive immunity is crucial in controlling the microbiota, and the responsiveness of brain-controlled homeostatic systems determines periodontal health.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
University of Oslo
Norway (NO)
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment / Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI)
Norway (NO)
University of Bergen / Universitetet i Bergen
Norway (NO)
Sahlgrenska University Hospital / Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset
Sweden (SE)
Norway (NO)
Norwegian Defence Research Establishment / Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI)
Norway (NO)
University of Bergen / Universitetet i Bergen
Norway (NO)
Sahlgrenska University Hospital / Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset
Sweden (SE)
How to cite
APA:
Breivik, T.J., Gjermo, P., Gundersen, Y., Opstad, P.K., Murison, R., Hugoson, A.,... Fristad, I. (2024). Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A new vision in the understanding of periodontal health and disease. Periodontology 2000. https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12610
MLA:
Breivik, Torbjørn Jarle, et al. "Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A new vision in the understanding of periodontal health and disease." Periodontology 2000 (2024).
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