Research progress on the potential mechanisms of <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> in promoting Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a common neurodegenerative disease, has been linked to periodontitis, especially <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> (<i>P. gingivalis</i>) infection. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms and pathways through which <i>P. gingivalis</i> and its virulence factors are involved in AD pathogenesis, aiming to provide the scientific basis for the development of novel prevention and treatment strategies for AD. <i>P. gingivalis</i> can promote AD by exacerbating neuroinflammation, facilitating amyloid beta and Tau deposition, and disrupting the blood-brain barrier. Gingipains, secreted by <i>P. gingivalis</i>, serve as core effector molecules by increasing the blood-brain barrier permeability. The association between <i>P. gingivalis</i> and its effectors and AD pathology has been validated by metagenomic analysis and sample detection, indicating that <i>P. gingivalis</i> may be an environmental susceptibility factor or modifiable risk factor for AD. However, the precise mechanisms by which <i>P. gingivalis</i> influences AD, and its interactions with other potential AD-related factors, remain unclear. Moreover, further research needs to be conducted on the therapeutic potential of <i>P. gingvalis</i> intervention in improving AD.