Researchers Discover Strong Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Valve Damage

To understand how the bacterium might contribute to the disease, the team conducted experiments in mice. Repeated exposure to live P. gingivalis caused the bacteria to accumulate in the aortic valve, leading to increased calcium deposits and symptoms resembling aortic valve stenosis. Preventive antibiotic treatment reduced these effects.

The study also identified interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), an inflammation-promoting protein, as a key player. When researchers genetically removed IL-1β in mice, valve calcification and disease severity were significantly reduced, even in the presence of the bacteria. This suggests that inflammation triggered by P. gingivalis may drive the disease process.

Currently, there are no medications that can stop or slow CAVS, and patients with severe disease usually require valve replacement surgery. Researchers believe these findings could open new avenues for prevention and treatment by targeting gum disease or inflammation.

However, the scientists stress that the results are preliminary. The research has been presented at a scientific meeting but has not yet undergone peer review, and the findings from animal studies still need to be confirmed in human clinical trials.

REFERENCE: American Heart Association. "Scientists discover a hidden heart valve risk linked to gum disease."