Oral microbiome in patients with intracranial aneurysms
The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, but emerging research suggests that it may also have a broader impact on systemic health, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. One such condition is intracranial aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in the blood vessels of the brain that can lead to life-threatening complications like hemorrhagic stroke if they rupture. The relationship between the oral microbiome and intracranial aneurysms is an area of growing interest, as researchers investigate how oral bacteria and the overall microbial environment in the mouth may influence the formation, progression, or rupture of these aneurysms.The oral cavity is home to a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea, collectively referred to as the oral microbiome. These microorganisms interact with the host and each other, potentially influencing local and systemic health. Studies have shown that oral dysbiosis an imbalance in the oral microbiome can contribute to conditions such as periodontal disease, which is known to have a systemic inflammatory effect that can exacerbate cardiovascular diseases. Given that systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are key factors in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms, it is hypothesized that the oral microbiome may play a role in influencing aneurysm development and rupture risk.Research suggests that specific oral bacteria, particularly those associated with periodontal disease, may enter the bloodstream and contribute to chronic inflammation, which in turn could influence the development or rupture of intracranial aneurysms. For instance, Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium commonly associated with periodontal disease, has been implicated in a variety of systemic inflammatory diseases. Some studies have proposed that bacteria from the oral cavity could potentially reach the brain through the bloodstream, thereby influencing cerebrovascular health.This project aims to investigate the relationship between the oral microbiome and intracranial aneurysms, with the goal of identifying microbial signatures that could serve as potential biomarkers for early detection, risk assessment, or therapeutic targets. By analyzing the composition and diversity of the oral microbiome in patients with intracranial aneurysms compared to healthy controls, researchers hope to uncover associations between specific microbial profiles and the presence or rupture of aneurysms. The study will also explore how factors such as oral hygiene, periodontal health, and systemic inflammation may modulate the oral microbiome's influence on cerebrovascular health.Ultimately, this research could pave the way for novel preventative strategies or therapeutic interventions targeting the oral microbiome to reduce the risk of intracranial aneurysms, especially in patients with a predisposition to vascular diseases. Additionally, the findings could provide insights into the broader role of the oral microbiome in systemic diseases and its potential impact on brain health.