Role of Asaccharolytic Anaerobic Gram-positive Rods on Periodontitis

Oral biofilms cause various oral infectious diseases, such as periodontitis and dental caries. Asaccharolytic anaerobic Gram-positive rods (AAGPRs) and periodontopathic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, are frequently components of subgingival biofilms. However, AAGPRs are not easy to study, because they are difficult to culture and produce few metabolic products ; thus, the contributions of AAGPRs to periodontitis have yet to be determined. Herein, we describe the growth and formation of AAGPR biofilms and the effect of AAGPRs on the induction of cytokines from human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with periodontopathic bacteria. We also discuss the role of AAGPRs in the progression of periodontitis. Finally, we suggest future avenues of research that will be vital for improving our understanding of the mechanisms by which periodontal disease progresses.