Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
07:15
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
12.5K
Human lactoferrin protects against Streptococcus mutans-induced caries in mice
S K Velusamy1, K Markowitz1, D H Fine1
1RUTGERS School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA.
Oral Diseases
|November 26, 2015
Summary
Human lactoferrin (hLF) is crucial for preventing Streptococcus mutans-induced cavities. Studies show endogenous hLF protects against caries, and external hLF administration also offers significant protection in mice.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans is a primary cause of dental caries.
- Lactoferrin plays a role in innate immunity.
- The specific role of lactoferrin in caries development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endogenous and exogenous human lactoferrin (hLF) in a mouse model of Streptococcus mutans-induced dental caries.
- To compare caries development in lactoferrin-knockout (LFKO(-/-)) mice versus wild-type (WT) mice.
Main Methods:
- Infection of WT and LFKO(-/-) mice with Streptococcus mutans.
- Assessment of S. mutans colonization, salivary pH, and caries development.
- Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of hLF administration in LFKO(-/-) mice.
Main Results:
- LFKO(-/-) mice exhibited significantly higher S. mutans colonization, lower salivary pH, and increased caries compared to WT mice.
- Administration of hLF to LFKO(-/-) mice significantly reduced S. mutans colonization and prevented caries development.
- These findings highlight the protective role of both endogenous and exogenous hLF.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous lactoferrin is essential for protecting against S. mutans-induced dental caries.
- Exogenous human lactoferrin demonstrates a significant protective effect against caries development.
- Lactoferrin represents a potential therapeutic target for caries prevention and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Oral Microbiota
36
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
36
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
37
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
37
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
32
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within...
32