The Role of the Oral Microbiome in Carotid Atherosclerosis: Investigating Microbial Influence on Plaque Development and Vulnerability Using Biobank Data

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how bacteria living in the mouth may affect the development and stability of plaques in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. The study focuses on adults scheduled for carotid endarterectomy and investigates whether certain oral bacteria are related to plaque vulnerability, potentially increasing the risk of stroke. Researchers will compare bacterial patterns between people with vulnerable and stable carotid plaques to better understand this connection. Participants will undergo an oral health examination before surgery to assess gum disease and tooth infections. During carotid endarterectomy, samples will be collected from the mouth, anus, urine, blood, and carotid plaques for microbiome analysis. Preoperative photon-counting computed tomography (CT) and other imaging methods like magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound will be used to assess plaque stability and confirm eligibility. All samples and imaging data will be anonymized and stored in a biobank. During the study, participants will provide multiple biological samples and undergo imaging assessments. Researchers will analyze these to identify bacterial species and their relationship to plaque types. The main outcome is to find associations between oral bacteria and carotid plaque vulnerability. There is no experimental treatment involved, and participation does not add significant risk beyond standard care. The study will help develop future risk models for stroke based on microbiome data.

Oral Microbiome in Carotid Atherosclerosis