The composition, development and significance of oral microbiome for human health
Medical review (Med. pregled), 2023, 59(1), 15-23.
R. Gergova1, D. Rallis2, V.-M. Tsitu1, A. Aleksandrova1
1 Chair of Medical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University – Sofia
2 Chair of Prosthetic Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. What is the chronology of the development of the oral human microbiome and its significance? This article provides an overview of the main results obtained through the most modern methodologies over the last decade of intensive human microbiome trials. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of this rapidly evolving field are discussed in relation to emerging interactions of the oral microbiome with human health and disease, not only in the oral cavity, but also outside this region. The microbiome of the oral cavity has an extremely high biomass and is second only to the intestinal one. Enough new evidence is accumulated that it is associated with both local and systemic diseases. A detailed report on the potential role of some important representatives of the oral microbiome established by metagenomic analysis in relevant diseases with a significant frequency is presented. Many studies in recent years confirm that the oral microbiome can also act as a potential risk stimulator in the pathogenesis of various malignancies, as well as the association of chronic periodontitis with Alzheimer’s disease. Further surveys to study biological function and the main mechanisms of the oral microbiome in various tumor and autoimmune processes will lead to optimization of the treatment and prevention of oncological and chronic degenerative diseases through increased concern for oral health.
Key words: human oral microbiome, quorum sensing mechanism, metagenomic analysis
Address for correspondence: Prof. Raina Gergova, MD, PhD, e-mail: rtgergova@gmail.com