Propionic and acetic acids potentially compromise junctional epithelial barrier function and contribute to periodontitis progression

PA and AA impair wound repair, proliferation, and adhesion of junctional epithelial cells by altering the progression of the cell cycle and expression of adhesion-related genes. Together with prior findings on BA and LA, these results indicate that multiple SCFAs from periodontopathic bacteria contribute to weakening of the epithelial barrier, in vitro, highlighting the requirement for in vivo studies to confirm their roles in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.