A pilot and feasibility study investigating the abundance and activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria in women with pre-eclampsia

Background
Oral health may influence blood pressure control by modulating the abundance and activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria, which are essential for enhancing nitrite and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. This study aimed to investigate the oral health and microbiome composition of women with pre-eclampsia (PET) compared to healthy controls (CN).
Methods
Ten PET and eleven CN women participated in this study, respectively. An oral health examination was conducted in all the participants. Saliva and blood samples were collected for analysis of the oral microbiome and NO biomarkers.
Results
Higher plaque levels were observed in the PET group compared to the CN group (P = 0.038). The relative abundance of oral bacteria at the genus level did not differ between groups, however, the activity of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (P = 0.088) and salivary nitrite levels (P = 0.100) appeared lower in the PET group, though not statistically significant. Plasma nitrate levels were significantly lower in the PET group compared to the CN group (P = 0.024).
Conclusion
Women with PET showed poorer oral health and potential lower activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria and salivary nitrite, indicating a need for further investigation into treatments targeting oral health and the microbiome in women with PET.