Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported findings that suggest chronic oral inflammation may influence female reproductive function through systemic immune and inflammatory pathways.
Published in the Journal of Dental Research, the study examined how persistent oral inflammation affects ovarian health and reproductive outcomes in a murine model. The investigation was led by Prof. Michael Klutstein and Prof. Asaf Wilensky of the Faculty of Dental Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, together with researchers Dr. Paz Kles and Stephen Ameho.
The team focused on inflammation associated with dental implants, a common clinical condition, and evaluated whether inflammatory signals originating in the oral cavity could affect distant organs. Their findings indicate that chronic oral inflammation can trigger a systemic immune response that reaches the ovaries.
According to the study, inflammatory conditions were associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in ovarian tissue and changes in immune cell populations. Researchers also observed oxidative damage within the ovaries, impaired follicular development, and reduced oocyte quality in the animal model.
These biological changes were accompanied by lower live birth rates under inflammatory conditions, suggesting a potential impact on reproductive outcomes.
At the cellular level, the investigators identified DNA damage and epigenetic alterations in oocytes that resembled changes associated with reproductive aging. The findings may provide insight into mechanisms through which chronic inflammation could contribute to reduced fertility.
“Inflammation is often thought of as a localized response, but our findings show that it can have systemic consequences that extend as far as the reproductive system,” said Prof. Klutstein. “This work suggests that chronic oral inflammation may be an underrecognized factor in female infertility, potentially contributing to cases that currently have no clear explanation.”
The study adds to a growing body of research examining associations between oral health and systemic health outcomes. Chronic inflammatory oral diseases, including periodontitis, have previously been linked to a range of systemic conditions.
The authors emphasize that additional clinical research is needed to determine the relevance of these findings in humans. Further investigation may help clarify whether management of chronic oral inflammation could play a role in reproductive health assessment or treatment strategies.
The study, titled “Chronic Oral Inflammation Impairs Female Reproduction in a Murine Model,” is available in the Journal of Dental Research.
