A recombinant HGP44 inhibited HIV-1 replication at a 50% effective concentration of approximately 2.5 micromolar, the researchers note, somewhat less potently than did P. gingivalis extracts.
Historically-speaking, scientists have had a hard time finding causes and treatments for it, and this P. gingivalis thing is just one hypothesis among many.
The major genera with the largest representation in the oral cavities include: streptococcus, prevotella, haemophilus, rothia, veillonella, neisseria, fusobacterium, and porphyromonas.
To diagnose acute intermittent porphyria, a urinalysis is conducted which typically shows an elevation of porphobilinogen at least five times greater than normal levels.
Glucose and heme are the treatments for acute intermittent porphyria as they inhibit aminolevulinic acid synthase, the first enzyme involved in heme synthesis.
But, by injecting a small molecule that blocked P. gingivalis's ability to get energy, the team was able to reduce both the number of bacteria and the associated inflammation.
In order to better understand acute intermittent porphyria, we need to first take a look at hemoglobin, the main protein within red blood cells that's responsible for carrying oxygen.