Unveiling the Impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis ‐Associated Periodontitis on Stroke Outcome in Mice

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition with infectious origin that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests that periodontitis is a risk factor for ischemic stroke with associated adverse outcomes. However, the underlying mechanism of this association remains incompletely elucidated. METHODS: on BBB endothelial cells was further explored in vitro. RESULTS: through its gingipain proteases, directly impaired BBB integrity by increasing endothelial permeability and disrupting tight-junction proteins. CONCLUSIONS: -associated periodontitis worsens ischemic stroke outcome both indirectly by enhancing systemic and brain inflammation and directly via BBB disruption. These results highlight periodontitis as a modifiable risk factor and potential therapeutic target for improving stroke prognosis.