Language
Country/Area
No result found
The secret weapon of oral microbes: Why does Treponema denticola trigger periodontal disease?
When we talk about oral health, the impact of some microorganisms is often overlooked, but these microorganisms may be the main cause of major oral diseases. Treponema denticola, in particular, is a bacterium that not only lives in the mouth but is also highly associated with the development of periodontal disease. This article will provide an in-depth look at the biological properties of Treponema denticola and its role in periodontal disease.
About Treponema denticola
Treponema denticola is a Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic, highly motile spirillum with high protease activity. It is one of only four oral spirillum bacteria that can be reliably cultured, the others being Treponema pectinovorum, Treponema socranskii and Treponema vincentii. Due to its special survival ability, T. denticola is able to survive in the complex and diverse microbiota of the oral cavity and cause disease with high efficiency.
Pathogenic mechanism
Treponema denticola is closely associated with the development of periodontal disease, especially in chronic periodontitis. Together with two other bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, they are collectively known as the "red complex" and become the main pathogens. These bacteria contribute to the further progression of periodontal disease by promoting inflammation and damage to the gum tissue.
"The increase of T. denticola is one of the main causes of periodontal disease, especially found in large amounts in dental plaque between teeth."
Cell structure and movement
As a spirillum, T. denticola has a unique cellular structure with the presence of tightly organized periplasmic flagella within it. This allows it to flexibly swim through viscous environments, an ability not achieved in many other prokaryotes. This motility allows T. denticola to adhere more efficiently to the gingival tissue and associated cells.
Compliance and cytotoxicity
The primary habitat of T. denticola is the gingival sulcus. It achieves attachment through proteins that attach to local gingival fibroblasts and further releases bacterial components that directly affect the integrity of the host cells, a process known as cytotoxicity.
"The 53-kDa surface protein transports its components across membranes and exhibits cytotoxic effects, leading to lysis of red blood cells."
Risk factors for periodontal disease
A body of clinical evidence suggests that the levels of T. denticola in the deep and shallow periodontal spaces are significantly increased in users of orthodontic appliances compared with orthodontic appliance users. This makes cleaning more difficult and increases the risk of periodontal disease, showing the important role of oral microbial composition in the progression of periodontal disease.
Links to other diseases
Potential Impact of Oral Cancer
In addition to periodontal disease, T. denticola has also been implicated as a potential causative bacterium for oral cancer. It promotes tumor development by causing chronic inflammation and inhibiting cell apoptosis, followed by rapid proliferation and spread of cancer cells.
Association with cardiovascular disease
Growing evidence shows that the inflammation associated with periodontal disease can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. T. denticola is able to penetrate the gum tissue and affect the cardiovascular system as the blood circulates, making it an important potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The connection between pancreatic cancer and oral health
Research in recent years has shown that oral health problems, such as chronic periodontal disease, may be linked to pancreatic cancer in the population. Specific genetic mutations have been linked to the effects of oral bacteria, providing a potential causal link between oral microbes and cancer.
Conclusion
In summary, Treponema denticola, as a member of the oral microbiota, not only plays a central role in the development of periodontal disease, but is also closely related to other systemic diseases such as oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, and pancreatic cancer. association. This raises a critical question: In protecting oral health, how can we further understand and manage the impact of these microorganisms to maintain overall health?
