Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) significantly impairs socialization and communication, posing a major societal challenge due to limited understanding of its pathogenesis and lack of effective treatments. Recent studies have shown an imbalance in the oral and intestinal microbiota of individuals with...

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Main Authors: Bosheng Li, Yanan Qiao, Yongming Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Microbiology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1579128/full
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author Bosheng Li
Yanan Qiao
Yongming Li
Yongming Li
Yongming Li
author_facet Bosheng Li
Yanan Qiao
Yongming Li
Yongming Li
Yongming Li
author_sort Bosheng Li
collection DOAJ
description Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) significantly impairs socialization and communication, posing a major societal challenge due to limited understanding of its pathogenesis and lack of effective treatments. Recent studies have shown an imbalance in the oral and intestinal microbiota of individuals with ASD, which may exacerbate ASD symptoms. In this study, we successfully established an ASD mouse model induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) solution. Bio-behavioral experiments, including the elevated plus maze test, demonstrated that Pg. induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Analysis of oral and intestinal microbiota revealed significant alterations in microbial richness, diversity, and evenness in Pg-treated mice, indicating that Pg. disrupted the normal bacterial community structure and function. Subsequent 16S rRNA sequencing showed increased abundance of amino acid metabolism pathways in Pg-intervened mice, highlighting the close link between bacterial community function and carbohydrate, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolic pathways. These findings provide promising clinical targets for ASD treatment and offer insights into developing new therapeutic strategies.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1664-302X
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Microbiology
spelling doaj-art-063cdedd63d34d689f10e7ca36d8653e2025-08-20T03:44:27ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Microbiology1664-302X2025-08-011610.3389/fmicb.2025.15791281579128Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiotaBosheng Li0Yanan Qiao1Yongming Li2Yongming Li3Yongming Li4Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaShanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaShanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaTongji Research Institute of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaDepartment of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital and Dental School, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) significantly impairs socialization and communication, posing a major societal challenge due to limited understanding of its pathogenesis and lack of effective treatments. Recent studies have shown an imbalance in the oral and intestinal microbiota of individuals with ASD, which may exacerbate ASD symptoms. In this study, we successfully established an ASD mouse model induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) solution. Bio-behavioral experiments, including the elevated plus maze test, demonstrated that Pg. induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Analysis of oral and intestinal microbiota revealed significant alterations in microbial richness, diversity, and evenness in Pg-treated mice, indicating that Pg. disrupted the normal bacterial community structure and function. Subsequent 16S rRNA sequencing showed increased abundance of amino acid metabolism pathways in Pg-intervened mice, highlighting the close link between bacterial community function and carbohydrate, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolic pathways. These findings provide promising clinical targets for ASD treatment and offer insights into developing new therapeutic strategies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1579128/fullPorphyromonas gingivalisautism spectrum disorder16S rRNAintestinal floraoral flora
spellingShingle Bosheng Li
Yanan Qiao
Yongming Li
Yongming Li
Yongming Li
Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
Frontiers in Microbiology
Porphyromonas gingivalis
autism spectrum disorder
16S rRNA
intestinal flora
oral flora
title Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
title_full Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
title_fullStr Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
title_full_unstemmed Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
title_short Porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
title_sort porphyromonas gingivalis deteriorates autism spectrum disorders by disturbing the gut and oral microbiota
topic Porphyromonas gingivalis
autism spectrum disorder
16S rRNA
intestinal flora
oral flora
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1579128/full
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