Effects of Citral on Modulation of the Intestinal Microenvironment and the Oral-Gut Axis During Periodontitis-induced Chronic Systemic Inflammation Exacerbated by Ulcerative Colitis

• Grant number: 24/17177-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Guilherme de Siqueira Branco
• Grantee: Maycon Tavares Emílio Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the oral cavity, but also has systemic implications, including impacts on the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. Recent studies have suggested that inflammation associated with periodontitis may aggravate other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, by modulating the intestinal microbiota and epithelial permeability. Citral, a monoterpene present in essential oils of several plants, has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. However, its role in modulating the oral-intestinal axis during periodontitis and ulcerative colitis has not yet been elucidated. Our project aimed to investigate the effects of Citral on the modulation of the gut microbiota and the epithelial barrier in an experimental model of periodontitis-induced chronic systemic inflammation aggravated by ulcerative colitis. It will be evaluated how citral can attenuate inflammation and improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reducing the systemic effects of chronic inflammation. The results of this study may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases using citral as a potential therapeutic agent.