Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0002-6871-9401

Graduation Year

2026

Date of Submission

4-2026

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Reader 1

Pete Chandrangsu

Reader 2

Marion Preest

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

2026 Donovan C Davidson

Abstract

Atherosclerosis remains the primary driver of global cardiovascular disease, yet clinical interventions are largely restricted to high-cost, invasive procedures only after it has reached a critical stage. Recent research has identified a connection between the oral microbiome and vascular health via the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitic oxide (NO) pathway. Oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (ONRB) drive the synthesization of NO by reducing dietary nitrate into nitrite, which is then converted into bioavailable NO. NO is a potent vasodilator that maintains endothelial health by suppressing inflammation through inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. However, this pathway is easily compromised by dysbiotic oral conditions such as periodontal disease, where pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis outcompete ONRB, leading to NO deficiency. This thesis proposes three experiments to investigate whether modulating ONRB activity can serve as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis. Experiment 1 quantifies nitrate-reduction and bacterial growth of three commensal species (Rothia, Neisseria, and Veillonella). Experiment 2 tests whether nitrate supplementation can allow R. muciliginosa to survive against the pathogenic stress of P. gingivalis. Experiment 3 uses an in vivo mice model to see if a synbiotic treatment (probiotics and prebiotics) can reduce aortic VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression and reduce aortic plaque formation. Expected results suggest that prebiotic nitrate will enhance the ONRB fitness, allowing them to survive against the pathogens and restore NO bioavailability. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the synbiotic therapy will proactively reduce atherosclerotic symptoms in the mouse model. By repositioning the oral cavity as a site for vascular intervention, this research advocates for a cost-effective, preventative approach to cardiovascular disease.

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