Profiles of oral microbiota and metabolites in periodontitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: a pilot study

Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between periodontitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We have demonstrated that experimental periodontitis and the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbate the progression of BPH. In this study, we focused on the characteristics and alterations of the oral microbiome and metabolites in patients with BPH and those with both BPH and periodontitis. Forty-eight men aged 40 to 60 years were recruited and divided into four groups: healthy controls, periodontitis, BPH, and periodontitis combined with BPH (P-BPH). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis. The species composition diversity among the four groups showed significant differences. Compared with the healthy group, P. gingivalis and Selenomonas infelix increased in the P-BPH and BPH groups, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated that Filifactor alocis, Treponema denticola, and Porphyromonas endodontalis were significantly associated with age, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume (PV), and periodontal status. Key metabolites, such as arachidonic acid and adrenic acid, were upregulated in BPH and P-BPH groups compared with the healthy group. Our study indicated significant alterations in the oral microbiome and metabolic profile of patients with BPH. Therefore, BPH patients, especially those with periodontitis, may benefit from more active periodontal treatment.IMPORTANCEBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic periodontitis are age-associated chronic inflammatory diseases that impose a considerable burden on healthcare systems annually. The pathogenesis of BPH remains unclear, with challenges in effective pharmacological management and a high propensity for recurrence. Therefore, clarifying the underlying mechanisms and risk factors for BPH and intervening early in the disease process may potentially delay disease onset and alleviate the associated healthcare burden. Recent research evidence suggests that periodontitis and periodontal pathogens contribute to the development and progression of BPH. The significance of our study is in elucidating the changes in the oral microbiome and metabolites in patients with BPH. By correlating these changes with clinical indicators of patients, we identified key microorganisms and metabolites that may play crucial roles in the process of BPH. This could provide a basis for further mechanistic exploration and disease prevention.CLINICAL TRIALSThis study is registered at chictr.org.cn as ChiCTR2300071310.