ORCID

Abstract

BackgroundOral health may influence blood pressure control by modulating the abundance and activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria, which are essential for enhancing nitrite and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. This study aimed to investigate the oral health and microbiome composition of women with pre-eclampsia (PET) compared to healthy controls (CN).MethodsTen PET and eleven CN women participated in this study, respectively. An oral health examination was conducted in all the participants. Saliva and blood samples were collected for analysis of the oral microbiome and NO biomarkers.ResultsHigher plaque levels were observed in the PET group compared to the CN group (P = 0.038). The relative abundance of oral bacteria at the genus level did not differ between groups, however, the activity of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (P = 0.088) and salivary nitrite levels (P = 0.100) appeared lower in the PET group, though not statistically significant. Plasma nitrate levels were significantly lower in the PET group compared to the CN group (P = 0.024).ConclusionWomen with PET showed poorer oral health and potential lower activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria and salivary nitrite, indicating a need for further investigation into treatments targeting oral health and the microbiome in women with PET.

DOI

10.1016/j.preghy.2025.101188

Publication Date

2025-01-14

Publication Title

Pregnancy Hypertension: An International Journal of Women's Cardiovascular Health

Volume

39

ISSN

2210-7789

Keywords

Blood pressure, Nitrate, Nitric oxide, Nitrite, Oral microbiome, Pre-eclampsia

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