Heme effects of hemin on growth of peridontopathogens

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of heme on periodontopathogens. Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed using 7 types of anaerobic bacteria present in the periodontal pocket. The bacteria were cultured using suitable medium in an anaerobic condition with or without hemin, and the growth of the bacteria was measured every 6 hours by a spectrophotometer. Results: the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis was different only by the presence or absence of hemin. The growth of other periodontopathogens except Treponema denticola was different in a hemin concentration-dependent manner. The growth of T. denticola was interfered by hemin. Conclusion: Heme may be a factor that leads dysbiosis in the microbial ecosystem of the subgingival plaque and thereby promote a periodontitis-causing environment. (J Dent Rehabil Appl Sci 2021;37(1):31-8)