<i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> Lysate Induces TLR-2/4-Dependent NF-κB Activation and Inflammatory Damage in the Human Placental Barrier.

ABSTRACT: Periodontitis has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the effect of oral pathogens on placental tissue and local immunity remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the response of human placental explants (HPEs) to lysates of Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis, a keystone periodontal pathogen. Exposure to P. gingivalis induced significant histological damage and extracellular matrix degradation in placental tissue. The lysate activated the canonical NF-κB pathway, as demonstrated by increased phosphorylation of IκBα, particularly in the trophoblast. This activation was predominantly mediated by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), with partial contribution from TLR-4. Notably, TLR-2 protein levels decreased upon stimulation, while soluble (s) TLR-2 was markedly ele

SUBMITTER: Araneda-Rojas S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12524479 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature