439-The Oral–Gut Microbiome Axis in Health and Disease

This review article examines the oral–gut microbiome axis, highlighting how the mouth serves as a primary gateway for microbes to influence the rest of the body. While physico-chemical barriers typically keep these two ecosystems distinct, oral bacteria can migrate to the intestines through the digestive or circulatory systems, especially when health is compromised. The authors explain how this microbial transfer is linked to the development and worsening of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the text details how periodontal diseases can trigger systemic inflammation, potentially affecting distant organs like the heart or pancreas. Understanding these bidirectional connections is presented as a vital frontier for diagnosing and treating chronic conditions. Ultimately, the source advocates for advanced strain-level research to fully uncover the mechanisms driving these complex host-microbe interactions.

References:

• Kunath, B.J., De Rudder, C., Laczny, C.C. et al. The oral–gut microbiome axis in health and disease. Nat Rev Microbiol 22, 791–805 (2024). doi.org