My first and current postdoctoral project centers on periodontitis and strategies to improve the oral microbiome aiming to help patients manage the disease more effectively. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. It begins with a microbial imbalance or dysbiosis in the oral microbiome which then triggers a series of disrupted immune responses often leading to a persistent condition that becomes difficult to treat once symptoms emerge.

Nearly 50% of individuals over the age of 30 show signs of periodontal disease though it's frequently undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. Research has also linked chronic periodontitis to broader systemic health concerns including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. For instance the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has been detected in the bloodstream and is believed to potentially contribute to neurodegeneration.

How did your interest in the oral microbiome begin?
My fascination with the oral microbiome began during my doctoral studies where I focused on microbiome evolution particularly examining ancient microbiomes preserved in archaeological human remains. Dental calculus is one of the few materials capable of preserving ancient microbial DNA so I started working with historical dental plaque and comparing its microbial composition to that of modern humans.

How does this line of research connect to modern health issues?
It sparked my curiosity about why the oral microbiome in modern populations differs so drastically from that of ancient humans and whether this shift might be linked to what we often call diseases of civilization. Despite all our technological advancements we’re seeing a surge in chronic conditions across developed nations a trend that seems to mirror changes in the microbiome. When I discovered that the Faculty of Dentistry at RSU was looking for someone focused on the oral microbiome I reached out. At the time I was working on this topic independently and simply wanted to connect with others who shared my interest. That initial conversation ultimately led to me joining RSU.

How can microbiome research help make the world a better place? 
This question really invites deeper reflection. Why has microbial diversity declined so significantly in developed countries? One possible reason is our reduced exposure to natural environments. In large cities especially across the U.S. and Western Europe people often live in highly sanitized almost sterile surroundings. Without a strong cultural tradition of spending time outdoors nature can even seem dirty or threatening. I’ve personally witnessed city dwellers respond to nature with surprise or discomfort.

This lack of contact with natural biodiversity may partly explain the changes we’re seeing in the human microbiome. Research indicates that healthier microbiomes are usually more diverse while lower microbial diversity is often linked to disease. A richer more varied microbiome may offer protection by keeping harmful microbes in check. Of course diversity isn’t a flawless marker some illnesses are associated with microbial overgrowth but overall diversity appears to be a crucial factor in maintaining health.

Source: https://www.rsu.lv/en/news/what-can-your-oral-microbes-reveal-about-you-rsu-lead-researcher-alisa-kazarina-microbiomes