Alterations in Neuroinflammation, Microglia and Neuroplasticity in the Rat Hippocampus in a Combined Model of Periodontitis and Depression.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

The exact causes of major depressive disorder (MDD) are still debated, but its connection with inflammatory diseases and stress is well established. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between periodontitis (gum disease) and MDD.

Methods

Periodontitis (P) was induced in rats through oral rinses with the pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 12 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of chronic mild stress (CMS) to induce depressive-like behavior. Four experimental groups were established: periodontitis with CMS (P + CMS+), periodontitis without CMS (P + CMS-), CMS without periodontitis (P-CMS+), and control (P-CMS-). Inflammatory and synaptic plasticity-related mediators were quantified in hippocampal samples. The number, morphology, an

SUBMITTER: Robledo-Montana J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12668902 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature