RT Journal Article
T1 Datos manuscrito: Alterations in neuroinflammation, microglia and neuroplasticity in the rat hippocampus in a combined model of periodontitis and depression
A1 Robledo Montaña, Javier
A1 David Martín-Hernández, 
A1 Javier Cuenca-Ortega, 
A1 María Martínez, 
A1 Virto Ruiz, Leire
A1 Ambrosio Elejalde, Nagore
A1 Montero Solís, Eduardo
A1 Marín Cuenda, María José
A1 Herrera González, David
A1 Sanz Alonso, Mariano
A1 Leza Cerro, Juan Carlos
A1 Figuero Ruiz, Elena
A1 García Bueno, Borja
AB Aims: The exact causes of major depressive disorder (MDD) are still debated, but its connection with inflammatory diseases and stress is well established. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between periodontitis (gum disease) and MDD.Methods: Periodontitis (P) was induced in rats through oral rinses with the pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 12 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of chronic mild stress (CMS) to induce depressive-like behavior. Four experimental groups were established: periodontitis with CMS (P + CMS+), periodontitis without CMS (P + CMS-), CMS without periodontitis (P-CMS+), and control (P-CMS-). Inflammatory and synaptic plasticity-related mediators were quantified in hippocampal samples. The number, morphology, and inflammatory phenotype of microglia were also evaluated by ultrastructural and fractal analyses.Results: P + CMS+ animals compared with controls showed: (1) increased protein expression of TLR-4, phospho(p)-nuclear factor kappa B (p-NFκB)/NFκB ratio, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); (2) decreased microglial number, shorter branch length, reduced complexity, and increased expression of iNOS; (3) decreased protein levels of BDNF and synaptophysin, and lower ratios of p-protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Akt and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR)/mTOR.Conclusion: Alterations in neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus may contribute to the comorbidity between periodontitis and MDD, warranting further investigation.
PB Wiley
SN 1755-5930
YR 2025
FD 2025-12-01
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/134671
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/134671
LA eng
NO Robledo-Montaña J, Martín-Hernández D, Cuenca-Ortega J, Martínez M, Virto L, Ambrosio N, Montero E, Marín MJ, Herrera D, Sanz M, Leza JC, Figuero E, García-Bueno B. Alterations in Neuroinflammation, Microglia and Neuroplasticity in the Rat Hippocampus in a Combined Model of Periodontitis and Depression. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2025 Dec;31(12):e70669. doi: 10.1111/cns.70669
DS Docta Complutense
RD 10 jun 2026