Gum disease can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at the University of Louisville have linked the bacterium that causes periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, to another chronic inflammatory disease—rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They found that the P. gingivalis bacterium can trigger early onset, a faster disease progression and increased severity.

In an article published in PLoS Pathogens, researchers found that P. gingivalis produces an enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminanse, or PAD, which can alter certain proteins into citrulline, leading to an immune attack. This results in chronic inflammation that destroys bone and cartilage in the joints.

“Taken together, our results suggest that bacterial PAD may constitute the mechanistic link between P. gingivalis periodontal infection and rheumatoid arthritis,” said lead researcher Jan Potemba, PhD, DSc, in a release.

Other studies have indicated that periodontal disease is more prevalent in people with RA and that the P. gingivalis bacterium is suspected to be responsible for early onset of RA.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.