Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) found that oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis may impair cardiac recovery after myocardial infarction. The study was published on: International Journal of Oral Sciences.
Myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow is blocked in the arteries that carry blood to the heart; As a result, insufficient nutrients and oxygen are provided to the heart muscle, resulting in loss of myocardial cells. To prevent this, cardiomyocytes use autophagy, a process aimed at getting rid of damaged cellular components.
Previous studies have shown that bacteria living in the periodontal area Porphyromonas gingivalis When detected in heart tissue, it may worsen myocardial recovery after infarction. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect were unknown.
In a new study, scientists infected mice with a genetically modified bacteria. P. gingivalisHe could not produce the substance gingipain. This substance is believed to interfere with autophagy. The viability of cells infected with a mutant bacterium lacking gingipain was much higher than that of cells infected with a wild-type bacterium.
A more detailed study showed that gingipain prevents the fusion of two cellular components known as autophagosomes and lysosomes. This process is necessary for autophagy. In mice, this led to an increase in the size of heart cells and a buildup of proteins normally cleared from cells to protect the heart muscle.
Scientists believe the cure is caused by: P. gingivalis Oral infections may help reduce the risk of death from heart attack.
Previous scientists in the name Risk factors for severe atherosclerosis of leg arteries in the elderly.