Nanocomposite LL37-gold nanoparticles with puerarin for periodontitis-linked atherosclerosis

Abstract Periodontitis has been increasingly recognized as a contributor to systemic diseases such as atherosclerosis due to its persistent inflammatory nature. The present study evaluates an innovative nanocomposite, LL37-AuNPs@PUE, composed of gold nanoparticles functionalized with the antimicrobial peptide LL37 and puerarin, designed to target vascular inflammation and lipid dysregulation induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). The findings show that the nanocomposite effectively reduces bacterial adhesion, attenuates inflammatory responses, and restores lipid metabolic balance in endothelial cells in both in vitro and in vivo models. Overall, LL37-AuNPs@PUE, as a proof-of-concept dual-functional nanotherapeutic platform, provides a new conceptual framework and experimental basis for the treatment of periodontitis and the prevention and therapy of related atherosclerosis. It also lays the groundwork for an integrated oral–systemic therapeutic strategy. Graphical Abstract