Postmenopausal osteoporosis increases periodontal inflammation and the pathogenicity of the oral microbiota in a rat model.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to explore the mechanisms of the detrimental effects of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) on periodontitis.

METHODS

An ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was established to investigate the effects of PMO on alveolar bone homeostasis and periodontal inflammation. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) was administered to rats with OVX - periodontitis to ascertain the involvement of the oral microbiota in the influence of PMO on periodontitis. Finally, oral microbiota transplantation was conducted to examine the oral microbiota's pathogenicity.

RESULTS

OVX rats exhibited increased periodontal trabecular bone resorption and inflammation. In addition, depletion of the oral microbiota by CHX decreased the alveolar bone destruction in OVX - periodontitis rats. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that PMO changes the composition of the oral microbiota. Finally, oral microbiota transplantation indicated that PMO enhanced the oral microbiota's pathogenicity.

CONCLUSION

PMO detrimentally affects periodontitis by increasing periodontal inflammation and the pathogenicity of the oral microbiota, which provides a mechanistic understanding of how PMO affects periodontitis and highlights the necessity of more regular monitoring of the oral microbiota in PMO patients.