Chronic oral inflammation impaired ovarian function and reduced fertility in a mouse model, according to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research.
The study, led by Prof Michael Klutstein and Prof Asaf Wilensky at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center, examined implant-associated oral inflammation in mice and tracked how immune signals spread through the body.
Researchers found the inflammation did not remain confined to the oral cavity. Instead, it triggered a systemic immune response that extended to the ovaries.
In the animals, this inflammation was linked to elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the ovaries, shifts in immune cell populations, oxidative damage to ovarian tissue, impaired follicle development and reduced oocyte quality.
These changes resulted in significantly reduced birth rates in animals under inflammatory conditions compared with those without inflammation.
The study also identified cellular effects in oocytes, including DNA damage and epigenetic alterations resembling those seen in reproductive ageing. The researchers said this pointed to a possible mechanism by which chronic inflammation may affect fertility.
‘Inflammation is often thought of as a localised response, but our findings show that it can have systemic consequences that extend as far as the reproductive system,’ said Prof Michael Klutstein. ‘This work suggests that chronic oral inflammation may be an underrecognised factor in female infertility, potentially contributing to cases that currently have no clear explanation.’
However, the findings do not show that dental implants, periodontitis or other oral inflammatory conditions reduce fertility in women. The research was carried out in mice, and clinical studies will be needed to establish whether the same mechanisms apply in patients.
The study adds to the research on oral health and fertility, but the authors said human data will be needed before the findings can inform patient care.
The researchers said the findings could guide future clinical studies exploring whether treating oral inflammation could play a role in improving reproductive health.
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