Periodontal Pathogens and Breast Cancer: Unravelling the Biological Links

Abstract

Breast cancer and periodontitis, potentially related conditions affects millions worldwide . Latest research reveals that both the diseases share common pathways and these play a critical role in the development , progression and treatment of both conditions . Periodontitis , a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the periodontium is being highlighted for its incrimination in causing various systemic diseases . The aim of this article is to put light onto all probable pathways that makes periodontal inflammation a risk factor for Breast cancer .. This article draws attention to the commonalities shared by the two diseases, in the context of chronic inflammation , microbial dysbiosis and immunological pathways in the initiation and progression of breast cancer . It emphasizes the role of multifaceted research to reveal the underlying pathways seen in this association . The inflammatory microenvironment seen in periodontitis mimics the microenvironment that brings about the process of oncogenesis in breast cancer . Crucial bacterial species intertwined in periodontitis, like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are seen within breast cancer tissues, indicating a possible etiological link through bacteremia and later metastatic colonization . The inflammatory terrain specific of periodontitis, rich in cytokines, prostaglandins, and interleukins, simulates the inflammatory environment that promotes oncogenesis in breast tissue . Inheritable tendencies and hormonal influences, particularly estrogen metabolism intermediated by oral and gut microbiota, further intertwine these conditions . Elevated C- reactive protein situations, a marker of systemic inflammation seen in periodontitis, are also associated with increased breast cancer threat . Research indicates that elevated levels of molecules like RANK and its ligand RANKL may promote progression and metastasis in breast cancer . A comprehension of these pathways that link Periodontitis to breast cancer can offer beneficial awareness for developing preventive and curative strategies, if proven . Such knowledge could lead to innovative interventions targeting inflammatory processes potentially mitigating the risk and progress of the two diseases . After going through various available literature it could be said that periodontal pathogens might influence breast cancer either directly or through systemic inflammatory pathways . While some evidence hints at a possible link between periodontitis and breast cancer . Databases including PubMed , PubMed Central and ResearchGate were searched for articles yielding 32 relevant English articles between 2016 to 2023, which had one of the keywords of “Periodontal Disease” , “Breast cancer” , “Inflammation” and “Myeloid derived Suppressor cells” in their titles . A total of 13 English articles were selected by the researcher for final analysis.