Study Results from National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Provide New Insights into Porphyromonas gingivalis (Cystatin C: immunoregulation role in macrophages infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis).

A study conducted by researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has found that cystatin C, an antimicrobial salivary peptide, inhibits the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key agent in periodontitis. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of cystatin C and its effects on cytokine production, nitric oxide release, reactive oxygen species production, and programmed cell death in human macrophages infected with P. gingivalis. The results showed that cystatin C inhibits the extracellular growth of P. gingivalis, reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide, and decreases bacterial-induced macrophage apoptosis. These findings suggest that cystatin C could be used therapeutically against oral infections such as periodontitis. [Extracted from the article]