Periodontal Pathogens Correlate with Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Parameters: A Systematic Review Based on Clinical Studies.

Background

Numerous studies have found higher levels of autoantibodies including anti citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (aCCP), or rheumatoid factor (RF) against periodontal microorganisms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between periodontal bacteria and RA disease parameters.

Methods

We utilized PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and manual search databases up until March 2024 using PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The data were obtained from microbiological assays by RT-PCR/qPCR, sequencing, and serological testing of disease parameters (ACPA, aCCP, and RF) utilizing ELISA method.

Results

A total of 1514 documents were discovered based on the inclusion criteria. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Prevotella_9 were associated with elevated levels of ACPA/aCCP and RF in RA with periodontitis. A positive correlation was found between Peptococcus simiae, Aminipila butyrica, Leptotrichia spp., Leptotrichia wadei, and Neisseria bacilliformis with ACPA, and Treponema sp. canine oral taxon 087 with RF.

Conclusions

This study found that several oral microorganisms correlate with elevated ACPA/aCCP and RF in RA with periodontitis. Future studies of the oral microbiome and the molecular mechanisms are anticipated to discover new therapies and diagnostic methods for periodontitis and RA.