Article Type : Research Article
Authors : Chrysanthakopoulos NA and Vryzaki E
Keywords : Periodontal disease; Tumorigenesis; Cancer; Fusobacterium nucleatum; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Immune Response
Chronic
periodontal disease (PD), and especially periodontitis is a multifactorial
disease caused by dental plaque accumulation, which formed by pathogenic
bacteria that are able to trigger an immune response in susceptible hosts.
Pathogenic bacteria in oral cavity are a source of chronic immunological
reaction which can result in local and peripheral production of
pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-?, inflammatory
mediators, and bacterial products such as lipopolysaccaride endotoxin. Similarly,
viruses, such as herpes and Epstein-Barr, have also been detected in
periodontal pockets. In a similar way, a chronic systemic inflammation has been
linked with an increased risk of brain pathological conditions such as
cerebrovascular diseases, abscesses, etc. Therefore, it is reasonable, that a
chronic infection and inflammation disease, such as periodontitis, may affect
the?a central nervous system (CNS). It is well evidenced that oral pathogenic
bacteria may cause systemic infection by transient or persistent bacteraemia,
and in-filtrate distal locations and organs. It has also been suggested that in
susceptible populations and under certain circumstances, bacterial and viral
infections may enter the brain from the blood circulation. After entering the
brain periodontal bacteria and their products may affect brain’s vascular
integrity. Therefore, a potential role of chronic periodontitis in the
development and progression of cerebral infection and inflammation could be
suggested. No direct evidence has been revealed regarding a possible causal
association between periodontal pathogens and brain diseases, however several
researches have detected periodontal bacteria survived in the brain. It is
possible that both inflammatory conditions may share a causal association with
common risk factors and complex multifactorial aetiologies. Nevertheless, the
possibility that pathogenic oral bacteria spread to the blood circulation and
reach the brain, initiating or exacerbating existing cerebral diseases, could
not be ignored. Moreover, the pro-inflammatory factors, and biomarkers induced
systemically by a chronic periodontal inflammation, may play a role in CNS
pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease,
Multiple Sclerosis, etc. Systemic infection and/or inflammation, and especially
chronic inflammation has also been associated with an increased risk of diverse
types of cancer in organs such as liver, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, etc.
Gliomas, and especially Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common type
of primary malignant brain tumor, which currently has no effective treatments.
The etiology of GBM has not been fully elucidated and it still remains unclear.
Genetic influences in combination with environmental risk factors have been
suggested as pathogenic factors of GBM. Viruses, such as Human Cytomegalovirus
(HCMV), is also considered to be among the etiologic factors for gliomas
development as exhibits tropism for glial cells. Human studies have recorded
that oral pathogens are closely associated with cancers, however, whether those
pathogens play a role in gliomas development remains unclear. The current
review highlights the possible role of chronic periodontitis in brain, and
especially in GBM development, focused on the role of chronic inflammation in
carcinogenesis, in the light of recent literature.
Glioma is the most conventional form of brain
malignant tumors, accounting for 25.1% of the primary tumors in the central
nervous system (CNS) [1], and are categorized into 4 histological grades
according to the malignancy level. WHO grades I-II gliomas (low-grade gliomas,
LGG) exhibit low aggressive tendencies and have a better prognosis, whereas WHO
grades III-IV gliomas (high-grade gliomas, HGG) show a high rate of
deterioration and a poor prognosis [2]. Glioma patients with the isocitrate
dehydrogenase 1(IDH1) mutation have a more favourable prognosis, and the
mutation is frequently expressed in LGG patients but rarely observed in WHO
grade IV glioma patients [3].
The LGG, WHO grades II and III, could
progress in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), WHO grade IV, along with the
progression of the tumor [4]. GBM is the most frequent and malignant glioma
type, with an extremely poor prognosis because of its histopathological
characteristics [5]. GBM, also known as diffuse astrocytoma, shows a great
morphological and genetical heterogeneity. GBM’s incidence is about 5-6
cases/100,000 population and its frequency varies between 12.0%-15.0% of all
intracranial tumors [6,7]. The mean survival is under 15 months and the
five-year rate is under 10%. The poor prognosis of GBM could be attributed to a
highly abnormal vascularization, resistant to the common chemotherapy and
radiotherapy and to the fact that general is difficult to be completely removed
surgi-cally [8]. GBM is mainly diagnosed at advanced ages, with a mean age on
diagnosis of 64 years [9]. Its etiology still remains unclear, however, genetic
influences in combination with environmental risk factors have been suggested
as GBM pathogenic factors [10]. It has also been suggested that is associated
with constant exposure to ionizing radiation or chemical agents such as
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), electromagnetic fields and certain
metals [11-13]. Viruses infe-ctions with human cytomegalovirus (CMV), genetic
diseases such as tuberous sclerosis, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type
IIA, Turcot syndrome, and neurofibromatos is type I, NF1 [14-16]. Moreover,
acquired head traumas, which occurred as a result of a brain contusion, may predispose
to the GBM development [17].
GBM is classified as a primary or as a
secondary tumor as a result of a malignant transformation from a lower grade
brain tumor and/or with mutation in the IDH gene and is classified in diverse
histopathological types such as Classical, Proneural, Neural and Mesenchymal
according to the gene expression profile [18]. Periodontitis, is a chronic
inflammatory condition characterized by the disruption of tissues surrounding
and supporting the teeth [19]. Periodontal Disease (PD) in Europe affects 5-20%
of adults aged 35-44 years old and 40% of the elderly aged 65-74 [20,21]
whereas chronic periodontitis affects approximately 50% of the adult
individuals and its incidence and severity increase with age, showing a
prevalence of 70% of over-65 years-old in the USA [22]. PD or periodontitis is
caused by the host’s immunological response to periodontal pathogens [23],
and leads to local inflammation, ultimately contributing to chronic systemic
inflammation. Periodontal infection individuals exhibit increased circulating
inflammatory biomarkers levels indicating the systemic implications of
periodontal infection [23,24]. PD is significantly associated with other
pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis,
pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity,
chronic kidney disease, and cancer [25]. Individuals with chronic inflammatory
diseases such as the mentioned may be at greater risk of cancer [26].The
controversial differences between the association of PD and systemic diseases
in different studies could be attributed to the heterogeneity in the
definitions. The susceptibility to PD is individual, as it depends on possible
dysbiosis and immune response to the bacteria accumulation, genetics, oral
hygiene and the chronic disease [27]. Gram-negative bacteria are responsible
for the dysbiosis in PD [28]. In PD the most conventional species are
Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema dent cola, and Tanneralla forsythia, also known
as the red-complex [28]. Moreover, P. gingivalis, Aggregatibacter
actionmycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium spp., and Prevotella
intermedia/nigrescens, have been described as the most common subgingival
pathogens detected in chronic PD patients [29, 30]. PD also results in the
development of more diverse microbiota population, potentially caused by an
increase of different nutrients available to microorganisms due to ongoing
inflammation and weakened immune response, not sufficient to control bacterial
proliferation [28].
Chronic inflammation has been suggested to
be implicated in tumor initiation and progression [13]. For more than five
decades the relationship between PD and increased cancer risk has been
investigated, however, findings to date have limited practical significance as
cancer prevention indices, despite the fact that useful knowledge have been
acquired regarding the role of PD treatment in reducing the risk of different
types of cancer [31]. Recently, an increasing interest exists in examining the
possible association between PD variables, and cancer risk, in several organs
and systems. Epidemiological
studies have suggested significant associations between periodontitis indices,
tooth loss and cancer risk of diverse organs and locations such as head and
neck region, lungsupper gastro-intestinal system, pancreas, etc. [25,32-35].
During the PD active phase P. gingivalis partially disrupts the periodontal
tissue, enters the blood circulation, and causes bacteremia, which leads to a
great number of inflammatory mediators release, eventually inducing a prolonged
low-grade inflammatory response in distant organs [36]. P.gingivalis is the
most conventional periopathogenic bacteria associated with periodontitis
[24,37], and it plays a crucial role in tumor initiation and progression.
Significantly increased numbers of P.gingivalis have been detected in oral
squamous cell carcinoma [38], orodigestive [34], and pancreatic cancer [39].
The substances produced by oral microbiota may be carcinogenic [40,41]. Chronic
periodontitis exposes organs to bacterial endotoxins, enzymes, metabolic
by-products and continuously stimulates the immune response and production of
cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory biomarkers [42].
Chronic inflammation lengthens the cell cycle, stimulates proliferation,
angiogenesis and migration, and inhibits apoptosis. Oxidative stress destroys
the mucosa making it more susceptible to other carcinogens such as tobacco,
alcohol, HPV and EBV [43]. All of the mentioned factors may predispose
individuals to the development of diverse types of cancer [44]. Recent
reports have recorded that PD may affect the development and progression of
some brain disorders. Examining the association between periodontitis and
cancer, it is interesting to identify whether periodontal infections are
potentially associated with glioma. Evidence from human studies has indicated
that oral microbiota is closely related to cancers [45,46], however, whether
oral microbiota is involved in glioma malignancy remains unclear
P. gingival is has been detected in the brains of
patients with Alzheimer’s disease and intracranial aneurysm [47-49]. P.
gingival is lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been identified in brain tissue using
immunofluorescence labeling [50], whereas is frequently used to examine how PD
affects cancers [47-50] and CNS diseases [51,52]. Experimental studies have
shown that P. gingival is or its LPS is able to cross the blood-brain barrier,
enter brain tissue, and stimulate the proliferation and migration of glioma
cells at diverse concentrations [36]. P. gingival is associated with glioma
grading and also shows a significant association with IDH1 mutations in gliomas
[53]. Those observations suggest that periodontal pathogens may have a significant
role in glioma development. However, the precise mechanisms through which PD
contributes to the initiation and progression of GBM remain incompletely
understood. No previous studies have specifically investigated the possible
association between PD and GBM. However, recently PD and GBM have been
associated with an increased activity of CMV [54,55], leading to a possible
relationship between both. The mentioned increased activity of CMV has been
also detected in others inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease,
rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus [55,56].
The aim of the current review was to explore the
common pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases and GBM, in an effort to
detect the possible role of PD as an etiologic or risk factor for their
development.
P.
gingivalis andF. nucleatum Molecular Mechanisms in Cancer Pathogenesis
Recent epidemiological researches have suggested an
increase in the risk of cancer incidence and /or mortality in PD individuals
[42]. Dysbiosis in chronic periodontitis is attributed to oral pathogens [57],
and Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum are the main microbial
pathogens in its pathogenesis [58]. Those bacteria also play an essential role
in initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis [59]. Resent interest has focused
on the role of P. gingivalis in cancer due to its ability to evade the immune
system whereas maintains a persisting chronic inflammation condition in the
surrounding environment [60]. In a similar way, but to a lesser extent, the
role of F. nucleatum in carcinogenesis has been a central point due to its
ability to coaggregate with oral biofilm colonizers and to regulate other
bacteria’s crossing of the host’s epithelial and endothelial cells barrier
[61-63].
Role
of P. gingivalis in Mediating Cellular Transformation
Long-term infections of P. gingivalis in human
immortalized oral epithelial cells [64] showed that the infected cells
ultrastructure was indicated by aberrant nucleoli and heterochromatin and
weakened cellular junctions highlighted by desmosomes scarcity, known
morphological characteristics of cancer cells. In P. gingivalis infected cells
the plakophilin 1 (PKP1), which stabilizes desmosomes, was decreased [65]. The
following biomarkers, Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1), Friend Leukemia Virus
Integration 1 (FLI1), Growth Arrest Specific 6 (GAS6), Programmed Cell Death 1
Ligand 2 (PDCD1LG2), CD274, Colon-Cancer-Associated Transcript 1 (CCAT1) and
Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT), which are tumorigenesis markers, were
up-regulated in P. gingivalis infected cells. In addition, proMMP9 and
activated MMP9, which are involved in cellular invasion, were increased in P.
gingivalis infected cells [64]. GroEL, a Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 60 family
member, is considered one of the virulent factors released by P. gingivalis
[66]. That member is responsible for induction neo-angiogenesis in epithelial
progenitor cells and promotes their migration and progression by up-regulating
E-selectin via activation of the SAPK/JNK, PI3K, and p38MAPK signaling pathways
and also to a lesser extent through the NOS-related pathways [67]. P.
gingivalis activates the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways and inhibits
the apoptotic intrinsic pathway by preventing mitochondrial membrane
depolarization and blocking cytochrome C release followed by pro-apoptotic
down-regulation (caspase 3, caspase 9, Bad and Bax) and anti-apoptotic genes
up-regulation (survivin, Bcl-2, bcl-XL and Bfl-1) in gingival epithelial cells
[68-71]. P. gingivalis also up-regulates Cyclin A, CDK4 and CDK6 expression and
activates CDK2, down-regulates the Cyclin D and INK4 expression, decreases
p53’s concentrations and activation, and also decreases the levels of the
following kinases Chk2, CK1delta,CK1 epsilon and Aurora A. Moreover, it
increases the levels of PI3K, PDK1, p70S6K and p90RSK whereas inactivates PTEN
by phosphorylation at s370 [72]. P. gingivalis induces the inflammatory
cytokines IL-6, IL-8, sICAM-1 and MCP-1 production and their increase may be in
part dependent on RgpA-Kgp activity, whereas the MIP-1? and IL1? post-infection
secretion were found to be independent of RgpA-Kgp proteinase-adhesin complex
[73,74]. Those events are responsible for an inflammatory environment which
promotes tumor development. P. gingivalis also increases Toll-Like Receptor 2
(TLR2) signaling in gingival epithelial cells through the miR-105
down-regulation. TLR2 increased levels lead to IL-6 and TNF-? production and
the NF-kB activation, which promotes pro-inflammation, contributing to an
adequate tumor microenvironment [75]. Infected gingival epithelial cells by P.
gingivalis upregulate the mi RNA-203 expression which applies its silencing
effect on the cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and SOCS6 suppressor, which leads to
an increase in STAT3 and results in increased inflammation, a perfect
tumorigenic microenvironment [76]. A P. gingivalis post-infection increase in
Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E, which are implicated in promoting the transition from
the G1 to S phase, simultaneously with a decrease in p21has been detected
[73,77].
Role
of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum in Exacerbating Malignancy
P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum co-infection leads to
an inflammatory response reflected by an increase in TNF-? and IL-1? [78]. The
same co-infection led to tumor growth, invasion and proliferation in oral
carcinoma in mouse model. TLR2 and TLR4, induce the IL-6 increase which is
possible to activate STAT3 and NF-kB. STAT3 leads to Cyclin D1transcription,
which promotes cellular proliferation [59]. F. nucleatum promotes tumor
development and proliferation in vivo and in vitro in colorectal cancer cases,
via FadA-binding to E-cadherin and the ?-catenin pathway signaling activation
[79]. FadA binds to region 3 of the E-cadherin extracellular domain 5 (EC5),
which is activated and internalized by clathrin and activates the ?-catenin
which is translocated to the nucleus, and activates inflammatory genes NF-kB1
and NF-kB2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL18, Cyclin D1 and Myc oncogenes, transcription
factors LEF/TCF and Wnt genes WNT7a, WNT7b and WNT9a [79].
Astrocytes, the glia dominant neural type in the CNS, and microglial cells, originating from the hematopoietic lineage with monocyte/macrophage precursors are distributed uniformly throughout the CNS parenchyma [74]. Those CNS cells cooperate with one another in normal and pathological conditions. Astrocytes are not immune cells, however their morphology allow them to perform diverse important functions, such as providing metabolic support to neurons, regulazing neuronal activity, maintaining the extracellular fluids balance, and isolating excitable cells electrically [76]. Astrocytes also undergo proliferation and secrete matrix ingredients, resulting in a “glial scar” formation which surrounds the affected location. Moreover, they secrete proinflammatory and chemotactic mediators [75]. The neurons contribute to the processes implicated in neuro-inflammation, through constant communication with microglia, endothelial cells and the CNS blood vessels pericytes [80]. Microglia are the permanent mononuclear phagocyte population in the CNS, which shares phenotypical and functional features with macrophages, and are essential to the brain’s immune and inflammatory response [81,82]. Upon exogenous stimulation or micro-environment alterations, microglia are activated, release pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1?, IL-6, TNF-? and cytotoxic agents such as Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS) [74]. The increased level of ROS can cause neurotoxicity that affects diverse cellular proteins and homeostasis in the cells [83]. Microglia are also critical for phagocytosis of pathogens and debris [84-86], functions which are regulated by CD68, CD14, CX3CR1, and toll-like receptors (TLRs) [82,87,88]. TLRs are associated with microglial recognition of patterns on bacterial pathogens, where CD14 acts as a co-receptor for transmembrane TLR2 and TLR4, presenting antigens to them [82,89]. In microglial cells downstream signaling is mediated by NF-?B activation and the pro-inflammatory genes transcription such as, TNF-?,IL-1?, IL-6 [88]. Thus, microglia are the multi-tasking first line of defense in the brain, contributing to the inflammatory response upon detecting any danger signals presented by infectious stimuli or debris. Microglial cells in an activated state undergo morphological alterations and exhibit increased proliferation, acquire migration capacity, and display increased phagocytic activity [82].
Until now, the exact cause of the most prevalent
neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s
Disease (PSD), is still unknown. However, chronic neuro inflammation seems to
be a potentially significant risk factor for those diseases. Moreover, evidence
indicates that systemic inflammation may potentially trigger the
neuro-inflammation appearance [81]. Microglial cells are crucial for the
neuro-inflammatory process within the brain [81,90,91]. In neurodegenerative
diseases, such as AD, where neuro-inflammation is a part of the pathogenesis,
microglial cells become chronically activated, release pro-inflammatory
cytokines and display abnormal phagocytic ability of proteins, such as A?
peptides, leading to further microglial activation [81,90,92]. Microbial
ingredients are also able to trigger microglial activation and initiate the
neuro-inflammatory response. Recent reports have suggested that oral microbes
and/ or their virulence factors may contribute to this process [93-95], thus
linking oral health status with neuro-inflammation risk.
Periodontitis is linked with neurodegenerative
diseases and neuro-inflammatory processes through circulating mediators or the
oral microbes direct access to the CNS via systemic circulation [96-98].
Treponema different species associated with periodontitis were revealed in AD
cases brains [99]. Animal studies have indicated its migration from the oral
cavity to the CNS, and post-mortem human studies in human AD have confirmed its
presence intra-cerebrally [48, 100]. P. gingivalis, LPS and gingipains were
also detected in AD patients brains [48,50,81,101,102]. P. gingivalis has
unique abilities as is able to escape from the immune system, displays invasive
properties, proteolytic nature and aggressive virulence factors, such as LPS
and gingipains. The bacteria and its gingipains can directly invade astrocytes,
microglia and neurons and mediate their neuro-inflammatory activity [103].
Moreover, gingipains is able to initiate physical injury to the cerebral
microvasculature with degeneration of endothelial tight junctions and
blood-brain barrier (BBB) increased permeability [103-105]. Neuro-inflammation
and amyloid plaque formation developed after repeated oral infection of P.
gingivalis in mice [93], indicating that infectious and inflammatory mechanisms
are reasonable in the association between PD and neurodegenerative processes.
However, it remains unclear whether PD-associated pathogens can directly
activate the microglial function. In addition to P. gingivalis, other
periodontal pathogens, such as T. denticola, A. actinomycetem- comitans), and
F. nucleatum, might have a potential role in neuro-inflammation, especially in
AD [106]. Animals studies have revealed that Treponema species have the ability
to invade CNS and produce amyloid, A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b triggers
pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion by microglia and F. nucleatum-induced
periodontitis can result in the worsening of AD symptoms in mice [107].
Neuro-inflammation is considered to be essential in PSD pathogenesis. It is
suggested that an inflammatory response in the intestine may be responsible for
initiating the disease. It has been supposed that bacteria form the intestine
could access the brain via the vagus nerve, subsequently resulting in brain
inflammation, especially in the substantia nigra region which disrupts the
dopamine production, which is a hallmark element of PSD [101,102].
Neuro-inflammation is also thought to play a critical role in the appearance
and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has been found that inflammatory
cytokines disrupt the blood-brain barrier, allowing B and plasma cells to enter
the CNS, which then damage the myelin sheath, resulting in demyelination, a
primary symptom of the disease [101,102].
In susceptible individuals with periodontitis, oral
microbial dysbiosis triggers exaggerated chro-nic inflammation [108]. Possible
direct and indirect mechanisms through which periodontitis may contribute to
the appearance and progression of neuro-degeneration diseases have been
recorded in the literature. It has been suggested that humoral, neuronal and
cellular pathway are e low-grade systemic inflammation or locally released in
periodontitis can enter the brain via the blood circularesponsible for the
possible role of periodontitis in neuro-inflammation. Pro-inflammatory
cytokines induced by thtion. Periodontal pathogens can reach the intestine by
swallowing or via the blood circulation, are able to disrupt the intestine
microbiota. The infected intestine epithelial cells release pro-inflammatory
mediators that enter the brain, i.e., “oral-gut-brain axis” through the blood circulation.
Another way to enter the brain is via the vagus nerve, whereas periodontal
pathogens can reach the brain through the trigeminal nerve. Those pathogens
might trigger trained myelopoiesis (trained immunity) which might induce
hyper-inflammatory response that could affect the brain [80].
A previous survey has suggested a strong association
between GBM and PD [36]. However, the specific pathogenic mechanism and
crosstalk genes remain unclear. Another recent study [109] revealed that
Chemokine (C-X-Cmotif) Receptor 4(CXCR4), Lymphocyte antigen 96 (LY96), and C3
genes play a crucial role in the co-pathogenesis of both diseases. CXCR4, a G
protein-coupled receptor, binds its typical ligand Stromal cell-Derived Factor
1 (SDF-1). Although CXCR4 signaling is crucial for individual development and
organ repair [110], high CXCR4 expression has been associated with an increased
risk of cancer [111]. It was also found that CXCR4 was overexpressed in GBM and
was associated with a poorer prognosis [112], consistent with previous findings
[109]. In GBM, ligand binding to CXCR4 leads to conformational alterations
which activate PI3K-AKT, JAK/STAT, and MEK1/2-Erk1/2 signaling pathways,
resulting in the STAT3 activation, an oncogenic transcription factor implicated
in GBM development [113]. MEK-ERK1/2 signaling inhibition amplifies the glioma
cells adhesion to the extracellular matrix and reduces cell proliferation and
migration [114]. Moreover, CXCR4 was found to be overexpressed in periodontitis
gingival tissue [115]. CXCR4 activation by P. gingivalis results in crosstalk
with TLR2, which disrupts the monocytes or macrophages killing function by
inhibiting NO production and increasing cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA)
signaling [116]. In addition, PI3K-dependent adhesion pathway activation via
CXCR4 in macrophages and monocytes results in CR3 activation, which is used by
P. gingivalis and other pathogens as a safe entry portal to increase their
intracellular survival [117]. Lymphocyte antigen 96 (LY96, MD2) is a critical
component required for the TLR4 activation by LPS in the outer wall of P.
gingivalis. It acts as the first defense line against bacterial infection
[118]. LY96 expression is significantly increased in gingival tissues in
periodontitis patients [119], leading to the TLR4-LY96-CD14 complexes formation
which trigger the MyD88 signaling pathway, resulting in the production of
TNF-?, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-2 [120]. Recent reports have detected that LY96 is
closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression in diverse types of
cancer, such as colon cancer [121], and GBM [122], with the highest expression
being observed in GBM [123,124]. In GBM, TLR4 is commonly expressed on glioma
tissues and microglia/macrophages [125]. The TLR4/MD2 complex signalling
stimulation by LPS may involve tumour suppressor PTEN [126] loss or mutation,
which can have a significant impact on cancer susceptibility and tumorigenesis.
Complement C3 is an essential ingredient where classical, lectin, and
alternative pathways connect, producing effector molecules such as C3a and C5a
that activate C3aR and C5aR, respectively, resulting in leukocyte mobilization
and activation [127]. Histological findings indicated that C3-activated
complement fragments are in abundance in the periodontitis gingival crevices
and significantly associated with inflammatory indices. After periodontitis
treatment, levels of complement C3 significantly decrease (Top 5% genes),
whereas they are present at lower levels or absent in healthy individuals
[127]. Mechanistically, C3 activation may promote periodontal inflammation
commonly by increasing vascular permeability and inflammatory cells chemotactic
recruitment through C5aR activation, increasing vascular permeability and
inflammatory exudates flow and inflammatory cells [128] chemotactic
recruitment, however it is not able to control the infection [129].
Consequently, C3 is currently identified as one of the 21 most promising
candidate genes for treatment of periodontitis [130]. Complement-activating
proteins high levels may be beneficial for tumors [131]. It has been observed
that C3 deposition was revealed in GBM tissues, suggesting local activation of
complement in GBM, and confirmed the complement C3 protective effect on GBM
development and progression [132]. It is important to highlight that glioma
stem cells (GCS) may activate C3 with the alternative pathways assist and
activate STAT-3, ERK2/1, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways to retain their pluripotent
status [132]. Moreover, hypoxic conditions contribute to C3 activation and
amplify C3a-C3aR effects [133], generating an additional effector mechanism for
GSC survival, self-renewal, and tumour growth. A recent report analysed the
immune characteristics of GBM and PD using immune infiltration, and showed
decreased macrophage M2 polarization in PD, which negatively associated with
key crosstalk gene expression and was consistent with a PD pro-inflammatory
demonstration [134]. Increased macrophage M2 polarization in GBM positively
associated with key cross-talk gene expression and was consistent with an
immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in GBM [135].The discrepancies in
gene effects may primarily be attributed to the separate cells in which interacting
genes function and the diverse inflammatory factors secretion. For instance, in
GBM cells, the CXCR4 up-regulation recruit’s glioma-associated
microglia/macrophages (GAMs) and leads to macrophages M2 polarization [136]. On
the contrary, in periodontal inflammation, the CXCR4 up-regulation inhibits
TLR4-induced NF-?B activation through the LPS-CXCR4 axis, thereby suppressing
macrophages M2 polarization [137]. Moreover, it is also associated with the
lack of other immune cell types, such as insufficiently activated CD8+ T cells
and functionally impaired microglia in GBM [138,139]. Those observations
indicate that these shared differentially expressed genes may bridge the common
pathogenesis of GBM and PD by affecting immune cells. The exploration of the
mechanism of crosstalk between PD and GBM [109] showed that P. gin-givalis, the
primary causative factor of PD, activates complement C3 or CXCR4, deteriorate
the killing capacity of macrophages and neutrophils and fail to control the
infection [127,129,140]. Therefore P. gingivalis proliferates excessively in an
inflammatory environment. Moreover, P. gingivalis spreads distantly with the
blood circulation. Thereafter, LPS binding to LY96 leads to the blood-brain
barrier disruption, triggering chronic and insidious inflammation in the brain,
promoting glial cell carcinogenesis and exacerbating tumor development [141].
Although glioma-associated microglia and macrophages (GAMs) and MDSC are
recruited into the glioma microenvironment and release diverse growth factors
and cytokines, CXCR4 and C3 abnormal expression results in immunosuppression
[142], leading to cancer cells limited clearance.
PD may are responsible for production of
pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial products in the brain. Those products
affect the brain as are able to increase the BBB permeability directly or
indirectly by inducing the recruitment of other inflammatory cells. Chronic
neuro-inflammation is triggered by systemic inflammation as a consequence of
PD. AD is the most common reported neurodegenerative disease which has been
associated with periodontitis, and that association is overall significant. For
PSD and MS, those association appear to be weak. The possible role of PD in GBM
pathogenesis remains unclear, whereas in one study only was recorded that three
genes may play a role in the crosstalk between those diseases through immune
pathways and provided new perspective data regarding the co-pathogenesis of PD
and GBM.