A groundbreaking study published this week in mSystems has identified key immune system cells that form a critical link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe gum disease.
Researchers from Sichuan University in China, based at the West China Hospital of Stomatology, have discovered that bacteria associated with gum disease, specifically periodontitis, can exacerbate the progression of COPD by activating certain immune cells.
The study, led by microbiologists Boyu Tang, Ph.D., and Yan Li, Ph.D., highlights the roles of γδ T cells and M2 macrophages in this process.
These cells, crucial components of the immune system, are stimulated by the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly implicated in gum disease.
The researchers suggest that focusing on these immune responses could offer new approaches for preventing or controlling COPD.
COPD, a leading cause of death worldwide according to the World Health Organization, is currently incurable.
While tobacco smoking is a major cause in higher-income countries, in low- and middle-income countries, household air pollution also plays a significant role.
Periodontitis is a chronic infectious gum disease resulting from untreated plaque buildup, leading to inflammation, deep gaps between teeth and gums, and potentially bone loss.
This condition has been linked to various systemic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and now, COPD.
Li and Tang’s team conducted experiments using mouse models to demonstrate how P. gingivalis aggravates COPD progression. They found that mice with both periodontitis and COPD exhibited a more severe progression of COPD compared to those with COPD alone.
Moreover, P. gingivalis was shown to migrate to and infect lung tissue, altering the lung microbiota and promoting the expansion of specific immune cells.
The researchers observed that these immune cells, once activated by P. gingivalis, increased cytokine production, which is associated with worsening COPD symptoms.
Although the impact on lung function and immune cell proliferation was less pronounced than expected, this was attributed to the experimental conditions, particularly the duration of cigarette smoke exposure used to induce COPD in animal models.
Looking forward, the team plans to investigate the effects of prolonged smoke exposure on immune response and to confirm their findings through studies on human subjects.
They aim to recruit patients with both periodontitis and COPD, offer treatment for gum disease, and then compare lung function and immune cell counts before and after the intervention.
This research opens the possibility of a novel treatment strategy for COPD, focusing on the management of gum disease and its associated immune responses.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more information about gum health, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
The research findings can be found in mSystems.
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