Porphyromonas gingivalis vesicles reduce MDA-LDL levels and aortic wall thickness in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats

Background: Recently, atherosclerosis-associated disease has been reported simultaneously increased. Whereas, to date, no atherosclerosis vaccine is available. Since the epitope mimicry between malondialdehyde low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and arginine specific epitope gingipain (Rgp) on the Porphyromonas gingivalis vesicles has been reported, it raises an opportunity to employ the potency of P. gingivalis as an atherosclerosis vaccine. Objective: To evaluate the potency of P. gingivalis vesicles to prevent atherosclerosis, by assessing MDA-LDL level, visceral fat, body weight, and aortic wall thickness, in rats model. Methods: Five groups of rats (n = 10 per group), three treatment groups, one positive and negative control group were assigned and adapted with high fat diet for 8 weeks. The treatment groups were injected with P. gingivalis vesicles with and without adjuvant with four booster doses. The level of MDA-LDL serum, visceral fat, body weight, and aortic wall thickness were measured in the end of the course. Results: Our present study found that decreased in MDA-LDL levels (p = 0.037) and aortic wall thickness (p = 0.016) were observed in rats treated with vesicles and adjuvants, but not with vesicles or adjuvants only, compared to negative control. Moreover, MDA-LDL levels in rats immunized with vesicles and adjuvants were significantly lower than healthy rats. However, body weight (p = 0.329 and visceral fat (p = 0.789) were not significantly different in all treatment groups compared to control. Conclusions: Immunization with P. gingivalis vesicles and adjuvants significantly reduces MDA-LDL level and aortic wall thickness in rats model.