ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease associated with Gram-negative subgingival microflora. In pregnant women, periodontitis is thought to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, although the pathophysiology is unknown. Additionally, smoking is an established risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the present study, we examined the direct effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides (PGLPS) and nicotine on a trophoblast cell line. METHODS: HTR-8/SVneo cells were plated on Matrigel chambers with or without PGLPS and nicotine. The invasive activity of the cells was directly evaluated using microscopy. RESULTS: PGLPS alone did not reduce the invasive activity of the HTR-8/SVneo cells. The co-administration of nicotine with PGLPS significantly reduced the invasive activity of the cells. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that although the direct pathogenic effects of P. gingivalis alone on trophoblast invasion may be limited, concurrent smoking reduces trophoblast invasion into the myometrium and inhibits maternal vascular reconstruction.
