Proteomics, Lipidomics, Metabolomics, and 16S DNA Sequencing of Dental Plaque From Patients With Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Oral microbiome influences human health, specifically prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (Pre-DM/DM) and periodontal diseases (PDs), through complex microbial interactions. To explore these relations, we performed 16S rDNA sequencing, metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics analyses on supragingival dental plaque collected from individuals with Pre-DM/DM (n = 39), Pre-DM/DM and PD (n = 37), PD alone (n = 11), or neither (n = 10). We identified on average 2790 operational taxonomic units and 2025 microbial and host proteins per sample and quantified 110 metabolites and 415 lipids. Plaque samples from Pre-DM/DM patients contained higher abundance of Fusobacterium and Tannerella than plaques from metabolically healthy patients. Phosphatidylcholines, plasmenyl phosphatidylcholines, ceramides containing non-OH fatty acids, and host proteins related to actin filament rearrangement were elevated in plaques from PD versus non-PD samples. Cross-omic correlation analysis enabled the detection of a strong association between Lautropia and monomethyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PE-NMe), which is striking because synthesis of PE-NMe is uncommon in oral bacteria. Lipidomics analysis of in vitro cultures of Lautropia mirabilis confirmed the synthesis of PE-NMe by the bacteria. This comprehensive analysis revealed a novel microbial metabolic pathway and significant associations of host-derived proteins with PD.

Automated summary

The study investigated the complex microbial interactions of the oral microbiome with human health through multiple analyses, revealing distinctive features related to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and periodontal diseases, such as increased abundance of specific microorganisms and significant changes in specific lipids and proteins in different groups. The findings also highlighted a novel microbial metabolic pathway and significant associations of host-derived proteins with periodontal diseases.