Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats with experimental rheumatoid arthritis

Probiotics enhance alveolar bone microarchitecture, intestinal morphology and estradiol levels in osteoporotic animals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is associated with bone microarchitecture alterations, and the depletion of estrogen during menopause is a major contributing factor to its development. The literature highlights the noteworthy role of gut microbiota in bone metabolism, particularly in the progression of osteoporosis. Periodontal disease leads to alveolar bone loss, which may be influenced by estrogen deficiency, and this mechanism is intricately associated with an imbalance in systemic microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) and Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 (L. casei 01) administrations on an osteoporosis animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three female rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C-OVX), C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01. All animals were ovariectomized. In groups C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01, the probiotics were administered for 4 months. All animals were euthanized after 16 weeks from ovariectomy. Microtomographic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were conducted on periodontal tissues, whereas histomorphometry, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out on the intestine. The levels of estradiol were assessed in blood using an immunoenzymatic assay. The data were subjected to statistical analyses (p < .05).

RESULTS

The C-OVX-LC01 group exhibited a significant reduction in alveolar bone porosity and an increase in connective tissue density compared to C-OVX (p < .05). The C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01 groups presented reduced expression of TRAP and RANKL compared to the C-OVX (p < .05). The C-OVX group presented villi defects, mild neutrophil infiltration, decrease in both villous height and intestinal crypts and reduced expression of intestinal junctional epithelium markers e-cadherin and claudin 01 compared to C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01 (p < .05). The C-OVX group had lower estradiol levels than C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01 (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The probiotic therapy promoted a reduction in alveolar bone destruction and intestinal permeability as well as an increase in estradiol levels in ovariectomized rats. Specifically, the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 exhibited greater effectiveness compared to Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019, indicating strain-dependent outcomes.

Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis-Global efforts to untangle two complex diseases

Understanding the impact of oral health on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will inform how best to manage patients with both periodontitis and RA. This review seeks to provide an update on interventional and mechanistic investigations, including a brief summary of European Research programs investigating the link between periodontitis and RA. Recent clinical studies are described that evaluate how the treatment of one disease impacts on the other, as are studies in both humans and animal models that have sought to identify the potential mechanisms linking the two diseases.

Effects of probiotics in rats with experimental metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: An investigation of the intestine-adipose tissue axis

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the systemic (intestine and adipose tissue) and local (periodontal tissues) impact of probiotic therapy in rats with metabolic syndrome (MS) associated or not with periodontitis (PE).

METHODS

Forty-eight rats received a high-fat diet for induction of MS for 16 weeks. They were subdivided into groups with (+) and without (-) PE, receiving (*) or not (**) receiving probiotics (PROB): MS (-**), MSP (-*), MSPE (+**), and MSPEP (+*). PROB administration (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019) started on the 8th week of the study and PE was induced on the 14th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. Euthanasia occurred in the 16th week. Biomolecular, immunoenzymatic assays, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The data obtained were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey, p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The MSPEP group exhibited reduced alveolar bone loss when compared with the MSPE group, as well as lower levels of hepatic steatosis and proteinuria (p < 0.05). In the intestinal environment, the MSPE group exhibited significantly lower villus height and crypt depth, as well as a greater increase in Bacillota when compared with the MSPEP group (p < 0.05). The MSPEP group showed lower adipokine gene expression (LEPR, NAMPT, and FABP4) in adipose tissue than the MSPE group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The probiotic B. lactis HN019 reduced the severity of experimental periodontitis and modulated the expression of lipogenic genes and intestinal morphological and microbiological parameters in rats with MS.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis via LDHC-regulated ROS generation

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by bone destruction in the afflicted joints, and during the process of bone destruction, osteoclasts play a crucial role. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) has shown anti-inflammatory effects in RA. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by which it delays bone destruction remain largely unexplained. Here, we found that Tan IIA decreased the severity of and ameliorated bone loss in an AIA rat model. In vitro, Tan IIA inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. By activity-based protein analysis (ABPP) combined with LC‒MS/MS, we discovered that Tan IIA covalently binds to the lactate dehydrogenase subunit LDHC and inhibits its enzymatic activity. Moreover, we found that Tan IIA inhibits the generation of osteoclast-specific markers by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus reducing osteoclast differentiation. Finally, our results reveal that Tan IIA suppresses osteoclast differentiation via LDHC-mediated ROS generation in osteoclasts. Tan IIA can thus be regarded as an effective drug for the treatment of bone damage in RA.

Local Delivery and Controlled Release Drugs Systems: A New Approach for the Clinical Treatment of Periodontitis Therapy

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums characterized by the degeneration of periodontal ligaments, the formation of periodontal pockets, and the resorption of the alveolar bone, which results in the destruction of the teeth's supporting structure. Periodontitis is caused by the growth of diverse microflora (particularly anaerobes) in the pockets, releasing toxins and enzymes and stimulating the immune system. Various approaches, both local and systemic, have been used to treat periodontitis effectively. Successful treatment depends on reducing bacterial biofilm, bleeding on probing (BOP), and reducing or eliminating pockets. Currently, the use of local drug delivery systems (LDDSs) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis is a promising strategy, resulting in greater efficacy and fewer adverse effects by controlling drug release. Selecting an appropriate bioactive agent and route of administration is the cornerstone of a successful periodontitis treatment plan. In this context, this review focuses on applications of LDDSs with varying properties in treating periodontitis with or without systemic diseases to identify current challenges and future research directions.

Probiotic consumption can modify the resilience of periodontal tissues in rats under experimental periodontitis

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the effects of systemic administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two rats were allocated to groups C (control), C-HN019 (probiotic), EP (EP only), and EP-HN019 (EP+probiotic). From day 0, the animals of C-HN019 and EP-HN019 groups received B. lactis HN019 (1 × 10⁹ CFU/ml) daily. On the 14th day, the animals of EP and EP-HN019 groups received silk ligature around mandibular molars. Animals were euthanized on the 28th day. Samples of oral biofilm, gingival tissues, blood serum, and mandible were obtained for microtomographic, histomorphometric, microbiological, and immunological analyses. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Group EP-HN019 presented significantly less alveolar bone loss when compared with Group EP in histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses. In gingival tissue and serum, Group EP-HN019 presented lower proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines ratios than Group EP. Group EP-HN019 showed higher expression of beta-defensins and less TRAP-positive cells than Group EP. Group EP presented higher gene expression of Ifng and lower gene expression of Foxp3 when compared with Group EP-HN019 in gingival tissue. In oral biofilm, EP-HN019 group presented a lower percentage of species similar to Fusobacterium periodonticum and a higher percentage of species similar to Actinomyces gereneseriae, Actinomyces israelli, and Streptococcus gordonii when compared with Group EP. There was a significant increase of B. lactis HN019 after administration of probiotic therapy in oral biofilm of Group EP-HN019.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of B. lactis HN019 promotes a protective effect against alveolar bone loss by modifying local and systemic microbiological and immunoinflammatory parameters.

Experimental model of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis potentiates the deleterious effects on functional capacity, leukocyte migration, synovial and periodontal tissues in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether ligature-induced periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) potentiate the deleterious effects on functional capacity, periodontal and synovial tissues, leukocyte migration, and interleukin 17 (IL-17) levels, and to investigate the repercussions of single Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) injection associated with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one male Wistar rats were randomised into six groups: control (CG, n = 8), RA (RAG, n = 9), periodontitis (PG, n = 9), periodontitis and RA (PRAG, n = 9), periodontitis and intradermal injection (PIDG, n = 9), and periodontitis and intra-articular injection (PIAG, n = 7). The animals underwent ligature placement and one or two injections with FCA to induce RA. Motor disability, nociceptive threshold, joint edema, and muscle strength were assessed, and the animals were euthanized on day 30. Synovial fluid, hemimandibles, and knee joints were collected.

RESULTS

PRAG showed no reduction of edema or improvement of muscle strength, whereas it showed most significant changes in leukocyte migration, morphological analyses of the synovial membrane (SM), and radiographic and histometric analyses of the jaw. The PIAG showed some alterations, though not permanent.

CONCLUSION

Ligature-induced periodontitis and RA induced by two FCA injections accentuated the deleterious effects on functional capacity, leukocyte migration, synovial and periodontal tissues.

Use of the Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 in Oral Diseases

The oral cavity is one of the environments on the human body with the highest concentrations of microorganisms that coexist harmoniously and maintain homeostasis related to oral health. Several local factors can shift the microbiome to a pathogenic state of dysbiosis. Existing treatments for infections caused by changes in the oral cavity aim to control biofilm dysbiosis and restore microbial balance. Studies have used probiotics as treatments for oral diseases, due to their ability to reduce the pathogenicity of the microbiota and immunoinflammatory changes. This review investigates the role of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019 in oral health, and its mechanism of action in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This probiotic strain is a lactic acid bacterium that is safe for human consumption. It mediates bacterial co-aggregation with pathogens and modulates the immune response. Studies using B. lactis HN019 in periodontitis and peri-implant mucositis have shown it to be a potential adjuvant treatment with beneficial microbiological and immunological effects. Studies evaluating its oral effects and mechanism of action show that this probiotic strain has the potential to be used in several dental applications because of its benefit to the host.

Pharmacological Therapies for the Management of Inflammatory Bone Resorption in Periodontal Disease: A Review of Preclinical Studies

Periodontitis, a highly prevalent multicausal chronic inflammatory and destructive disease, develops as a result of complex host-parasite interactions. Dysbiotic bacterial biofilm in contact with the gingival tissues initiates a cascade of inflammatory events, mediated and modulated by the host's immune response, which is characterized by increased expression of several inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines in the connective tissue. If periodontal disease (PD) is left untreated, it results in the destruction of the supporting tissues around the teeth, including periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone, which lead to a wide range of disabilities and poor quality of life, thus imposing significant burdens. This process depends on the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for reabsorbing the bone tissue. Therefore, the inhibition of differentiation or activity of these cells is a promising strategy for controlling bone resorption. Several pharmacological drugs that target osteoclasts and inflammatory cells with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, such as bisphosphonates, anti-RANK-L antibody, strontium ranelate, cathepsin inhibitors, curcumin, flavonoids, specialized proresolving mediators, and probiotics, were already described to manage inflammatory bone resorption during experimental PD progression in preclinical studies. Meantime, a growing number of studies have described the beneficial effects of herbal products in inhibiting bone resorption in experimental PD. Therefore, this review summarizes the role of several pharmacological drugs used for PD prevention and treatment and highlights the targeted action of all those drugs with antiresorptive properties. In addition, our review provides a timely and critical appraisal for the scientific rationale use of the antiresorptive and immunomodulatory medications in preclinical studies, which will help to understand the basis for its clinical application.

Comparison Between Different Delivery Vehicles for the Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on Experimental Periodontitis in Rats

This study aimed to assess the effects of the probiotic (PROB) Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 in two different delivery vehicles in experimental periodontitis (EP), including the gene expression for IL-10, IFN-γ, and FOXP3. In total, 32 rats were assigned into groups (n=8): C (control), EP, EP-PROB/Water, and EP-PROB/Milk. The probiotic was administered for 4 weeks, from baseline to euthanasia. Periodontitis was induced by ligatures 14 days after baseline. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Both probiotic groups presented decreased alveolar bone loss and increased interproximal attachment level than group EP. Also, these parameters were significantly improved in the Milk group when compared with the Water group. EP-PROB/Milk showed higher gene expression for IL-10 and lower for FOXP3 in relation to EP-PROB/Water and EP groups. The use of milk was able to potentiate the protective effects of B. lactis HN019 in rats under EP.

Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis consumption slows down orthodontic tooth movement in mice

INTRODUCTION

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in appropriate amount, can provide health benefits. Although many studies have shown positive results with the use of probiotics in bone loss control, as in periodontal disease, the effect of probiotics on a mechanical force-induced alveolar bone resorption is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the specific probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis on bone remodeling induced by orthodontic tooth movement.

METHODS

For this study, thirty C57BL6/J male mice were used and divided into two groups: 1- Mice were orally treated with the probiotic; 2- Mice were treated with vehicle. All mice were submitted to the experimental model of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Bone parameters and OTM was evaluated by MicroCT. OTM and TRAP positive cells were analyzed by histomorphometric analysis. Osteoclasts markers were evaluated by qPCR and short chain fatty acids were measured in feces.

RESULTS

Micro-CT analysis showed that probiotic treatment did not modify the alveolar bone parameters. However, supplementation with probiotics restrained the tooth movement, as demonstrated by the reduced distance of OTM. Probiotic-treated mice presented down-regulation of Trap expression and reduced osteoclast numbers compared to the control. Accordingly, probiotics supplemented mice exhibited a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acid in their feces.

CONCLUSIONS

The supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis impaired tooth movement without altering the alveolar bone microarchitecture. The effect on bone remodeling induced by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis may be associated with the short-chain fatty acids' production.

Analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and identification of potential biomarkers

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease described by joint destruction, synovitis and pannus formation. The gut microbiota acts as an environmental factor that plays an important role in RA, but little research regarding the etiopathogenic mechanisms of the microbiome in RA has been carried out. We used an integrated approach of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to analyze the structure and diversity of the intestinal flora and metabolites of the gut microbiota in RA patients compared with healthy subjects. In this study, α-diversity analysis of the gut microbiota showed that there was no significant difference between the healthy control (HC) and RA groups. However, β-diversity analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups. Further analysis of alteration of the gut microbiota revealed that at the phylum level, the relative abundance of p_Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased in the RA group, while that of Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria was significantly increased in the RA group. At the genus level, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium and some probiotics were decreased in the RA group, while 97 genera, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Akkermansia, were increased in the RA group. Seventy-four differentially abundant metabolites were identified between the HC and RA groups, and we identified two potential biomarkers (9,12-octadecadiynoic acid and 10Z-nonadecenoic acid) in RA.

The use of probiotics can reduce the severity of experimental periodontitis in rats with metabolic syndrome: an immunoenzymatic and microtomographic study

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) in the development of periodontitis (PE), associated or not with metabolic syndrome, (MS) in rats.

METHODS

96 rats were grouped according to a food protocol: high-fat diet for induction of MS or standard diet for the control groups (C). They were subdivided into groups with (+) and without (-) PE, receiving (*) or not (**) probiotic (PROB): C -**, CP-*, PE+**, PEP+*, MS-**, MSP-*, MSPE+** and MSPEP+*. PROB administration started on the 8^th week of the study and PE was induced on the 14^th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. Euthanasia occurred in the 16^th week. Biomolecular analyzes, immunoenzymatic assays, and microtomographic analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (p <0.05).

RESULTS

The PEP and MSPEP groups showed lower levels of alveolar bone loss when compared to the PE and MSPE groups, respectively (p <0.05). The immunoenzymatic analysis showed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and a higher receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/ osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in the MSPE group when compared to the MSPEP group (p <0.05). The PEP group showed lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 when compared to the PE group. The use of PROB attenuated dyslipidemia parameters in animals with MS, with or without PE.

CONCLUSION

B. lactis HN019 reduced more significantly the severity of PE in rats with MS, modulating both systemic metabolic and immunoinflammatory parameters in periodontal tissues. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Local drug delivery systems as therapeutic strategies against periodontitis: A systematic review

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth, which causes periodontal structural damage, alveolar bone resorption, and even tooth loss. Its prevalence is very high, with nearly 60% of the global population affected. Hence, periodontitis is an important public health concern, and the development of effective healing treatments for oral diseases is a major target of the health sciences. Currently, the application of local drug delivery systems (LDDS) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planning (SRP) in periodontitis is a promising strategy, giving higher efficacy and fewer side effects by controlling drug release. The cornerstone of successful periodontitis therapy is to select an appropriate bioactive agent and route of administration. In this context, this review highlights applications of LDDS with different properties in the treatment of periodontitis with or without systemic diseases, in order to reveal existing challenges and future research directions.

The immunomodulating role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases

Probiotics are defined as non-pathogenic live microorganisms which, when administered in appropriate amounts, are beneficial to the health of the host. Currently, the group of probiotic microorganisms includes bacteria that produce lactic acid of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, belonging to the so-called LAB (lactic acid bacteria) groups, and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics have a protective role in Candida spp. oral infection and especially colonization. Lactobacillus limits the progression of chronic periodontitis by inhibiting the secretory activity of Th17 lymphocytes, which in the pathogenesis of this disease are responsible for an excessive cytokine response causing adverse changes in periodontal tissues. A meta-analysis of the results of studies on the clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of gingivitis showed that the use of probiotics improved the condition of the gums in the course of the therapeutic process. Regular use of probiotics during orthodontic treatment significantly reduces the number of bacteria from the Streptococcus mutans group in the patient’s saliva and significantly inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators and an excessive immune response. The main mechanisms of the action of probiotics, such as elimination and inhibition of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms through competition for receptor sites and the secretion of metabolites with antibacterial activity, as well as the stimulation of specific and non-specific immune responses by activating T lymphocytes, and stimulating the production of cytokines, make it possible to also effectively use pro-health bacteria in oral diseases.

Lactobacillus reuteri AN417 cell-free culture supernatant as a novel antibacterial agent targeting oral pathogenic bacteria

Lactobacillus reuteri AN417 is a newly characterized probiotic strain. The activity of AN417 against oral pathogenic bacteria is unknown. We investigated the antibacterial activity of cell-free L. reuteri AN417 culture supernatant (LRS) against three oral pathogens: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Streptococcus mutans. P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum have been implicated in periodontal disease, whereas S. mutans causes dental caries. Exposing these oral pathogenic bacteria to LRS significantly reduced their growth rates, intracellular ATP levels, cell viability, and time-to-kill. The minimal inhibitory volume of LRS was 10% (v/v) against P. gingivalis, 20% (v/v) for F. nucleatum, and 30% (v/v) for S. mutans. LRS significantly reduced the integrity of biofilms and significantly suppressed the expression of various genes involved in P. gingivalis biofilm formation. The L. reuteri AN417 genome lacked genes encoding reuterin, reuteran, and reutericyclin, which are major antibacterial compounds produced in L. reuteri strains. LRS treated with lipase and α-amylase displayed decreased antibacterial activity against oral pathogens. These data suggest that the antibacterial substances in LRS are carbohydrates and/or fatty acid metabolites. Our results demonstrate that LRS has antimicrobial activity against dental pathogenic bacteria, highlighting its potential utility for the prevention and treatment of P. gingivalis periodontal disease.

Intestinal Dysbiosis in, and Enteral Bacterial Therapies for, Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Recent studies have shown that a number of common autoimmune diseases have perturbations of their intestinal microbiome (dysbiosis). These include: Celiac Disease (CeD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS), and Type 1 diabetes (T1D). All of these have intestinal microbiomes that are different from healthy controls. There have been numerous studies using animal models of single probiotics (monoclonal) or mixtures of probiotics (polyclonal) and even complete microbiota transfer (fecal microbial transfer-FMT) to inhibit or delay the onset of autoimmune diseases such as the aforementioned common ones. However, proportionally, fewer clinical trials have utilized monoclonal therapies or FMT than polyclonal therapies for treating autoimmune diseases, even though bacterial mono-therapies do inhibit the development of autoimmune diseases and/or delay the onset of autoimmune diseases in rodent models of those autoimmune diseases. In this review then, we review the previously completed and currently ongoing clinical trials that are testing bacterial therapies (FMT, monoclonal, and polyclonal) to treat common autoimmune dseases and discuss the successes in using bacterial monotherapies to treat rodent models of these common autoimmune diseases.