Lactobacillus sp. attenuates oral and hepatic alterations and decreases caspase-8 expression in ligature-induced periodontitis.

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis affects millions of people and is characterized by the accumulation of bacteria in the gingival sulcus with an immune-inflammatory response of the body causing effects. There is a notable relation between periodontitis and steatosis, in which caspase-8 may be a relevant player in the pathophysiology of these conditions. This study is the first to investigate the effect of treatment based on Lactobacillus sp. on steatosis and caspase-8 expression in a ligature-induced periodontitis model. This study aims to investigate whether treatment with Lactobacillus sp. reduces oral and hepatic changes caused by ligature-induced periodontitis.

Methodology: Twenty-four Wistar rats were separated into groups: control, periodontitis, and periodontitis plus Lactobacillus sp. Administration of 1 mL of fermented milk containing 108 CFU/mL of Lactobacillus sp. by gavage was performed daily for 20 days of ligature-induced periodontitis. After the treatment, we evaluated the gingival bleeding index (GBI), tooth mobility, probing pocket depth (PPD), alveolar bone loss, histomorphometry, and histopathological aspects of liver, as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). We also evaluated caspase-8-positive cells and blood biomarkers.

Results: Lactobacillus sp. reduced inflammatory clinical parameters, including GBI, PPD, and tooth mobility, as well as neutrophil infiltration in gingival tissue. Morphometric analysis showed significantly less alveolar bone loss. Analysis of hepatic tissue showed reduced neutrophilic infiltration and improved antioxidant activity. Treatment also decreased caspase-8 expression.

Conclusions: Lactobacillus sp. significantly reduced the clinical parameters of periodontal lesion and steatosis score, improved hepatic oxidative status, and decreased caspase-8 expression in the liver tissue.