Associations Between Oral Microbiota Pathogens and Elevated Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Men
Kerff F, Pasco J A, Williams L J, Jacka F N, Loughman A, Dawson S L (2025) Wiley Online Library 9961595 https://doi.org/10.1155/da/9961595
Abstract:
Systemic inflammation is associated with depression. Certain oral bacterial species contribute to inflammation; however their potential association with mental disorders remains unclear.This study investigated the associations between oral microbiota pathogens and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Data came from 436 men from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Oral microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing, and an oral pathogen composite was created comprising Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella nigrescens species relative abundances. Binary variables were created representing elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between oral pathogens and elevated depressive/anxiety symptoms. Models were adjusted for confounders: age, socioeconomic status, diet, smoking, alcohol, exercise, obesity, and hypertension.
We report a modest (nonsignificant) association between the pathogen composite and elevated depressive (OR 1.35 [95% CI 0.974, 1.87]) but not anxiety symptoms. Moreover, some of the comprising species were significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms, including P. nigrescens (1.61 [1.21, 2.13]).
Our exploratory analyses revealed that several other taxa were significantly associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. The findings suggest that specific oral bacteria may contribute to symptoms of depression, warranting further research through larger and longitudinal investigations.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Some oral bacteria are more abundant in men with more depressive symptoms, showing potential role for the oral microbiome in mental disorders
This study explored the link between oral microbiota and depressive and anxiety symptoms. The study looked at data from men participating in a large observational study (the Geelong Osteoporosis Study).
Systemic inflammation is increasingly recognised as a contributor to mental and brain disorders, and certain oral bacteria are known to promote inflammation – so, could they contribute to these disorders?
In this study of 436 men, researchers measured the abundance of key oral pathogens and investigated their associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms.
While the overall oral pathogen composite showed a modest positive association with depressive symptoms, P. nigrescens stood out as being more abundant in men with elevated depressive symptoms. Several other bacterial species also showed significant associations in exploratory analyses.
Oral microbiota are already known to be linked to cardiovascular disease and are now increasingly studied for their potential role in brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This growing body of research offers yet another reason to take good care of our teeth and gums – not just for oral health, but potentially for mental wellbeing too. These findings suggest a potential role for the oral microbiome in mental disorders and highlight the need for further research through larger and longitudinal studies.
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