Lactobacillus Reuteri Probiotic Consumption Reduced Various Virulence Gene Expression in Dental Plaque of Fixed Orthodontic Subjects.

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of consuming lozenges containing Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic Prodentis lozenges on the expression of BCR1, ACE2, fadA, aid1, gelE, and atlA genes in dental biofilms of subjects using fixed orthodontic appliances.

Materials and methods: Plaque samples (n = 20) obtained from a previous study were used in this research. Each subject consumed L. reuteri probiotic lozenges (2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL) each day for 2 weeks. RNA was extracted from the samples and synthesized into cDNA. The expression of the gene transcription factors BCR1, ACE2, fadA, aid1, gelE, and atlA genes in biofilms of subjects who used fixed orthodontic appliances was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: The expression of BCR1, ACE2, fadA, aid1, gelE, and atlA genes were decreased after consuming the L. reuteri probiotic lozenges for 2 weeks (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Consuming L. reuteri probiotic lozenges would affect the expression of BCR1, ACE2, fadA, aid1, gelE, and atlA in plaque from patients using fixed orthodontic appliances. By reducing the expression of the virulence genes, bacterial number would be reduced and biofilm production can also be reduced.

Clinical significance: Consumption of probiotic lozenges were confirmed to reduce bacterial and fungal biofilm, as proven by the reduction of virulence gene expression. Routine consumption of probiotic lozenges can help reduce potential bacterial infection and increase the oral health of patients using fixed orthodontic appliances. How to cite this article: Kusnoto J, Safirah SS, Sitorus LRA, et al. Lactobacillus Reuteri Probiotic Consumption Reduced Various Virulence Gene Expression in Dental Plaque of Fixed Orthodontic Subjects. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(4):339-347.