The effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus administration against Porphyromonas gingivalis in vivo

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by polymicrobial infection, characterized by an imbalance between subgingival microbiota and host immune defense. This imbalance results in the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, with Porphyromonas gingivalis identified as a key pathogen. Conventional periodontal therapies may not fully control destructive inflammation, highlighting the need for effective adjunctive strategies.

To evaluate the impact of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus on inflammatory responses and wound healing processes in an in vivo periodontitis model.

Gingival tissue samples from a P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis model were analyzed to determine the effects of L. rhamnosus supplementation on the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and wound healing markers.

In a rat model of periodontitis, probiotic supplementation suppressed inflammation by reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels while increasing IL-10 expression in the gingival epithelium, thereby restoring the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, treatment accelerated wound healing, as indicated by upregulation of TGF-β1 and downregulation of MMP-8.

Our study shows that L. rhamnosus attenuates periodontitis primarily by modulating the host inflammatory response through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings highlight its potential as an immunomodulatory probiotic and support future clinical trials as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy.