Benefits of bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis probiotic in experimental periodontitis

Background: This study evaluates effects of topical administration of probiotic bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats. Methods: Thirty-two rats were divided into groups C (control; without EP), EP (EP only), C-HN019 (control+probiotic), and EP-HN019 (EP+probiotic). On day 0 of the experiment, animals of groups EP and EP-HN019 received cotton ligatures around mandibular first molars (MFMs). In groups C-HN019 and EPHN019, 1 mL of suspensions containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019 was topically administered in the subgingival region of MFMs on days 0, 3, and 7. In groups C and EP, topical administrations were performed using a sham suspension (without probiotic). All animals were euthanized at day 14. Gingival tissue, hemimandibles, and oral biofilm were collected. Data were statistically analyzed (P <0.05). Results: Group EP presented greater bone porosity, trabecular separation, and connective tissue attachment loss (CTAL) as well as reduced bone volume than all other groups (P <0.05). In group EP-HN019, there were greater proportions of Actinomyces and Streptococcus-like species and lower proportions of Veillonella parvula, Capnocytophaga sputigena, Eikenella corrodens, and Prevotella intermedia-like species than group EP. Group EP-HN019 presented greater expressions of osteoprotegerin and β-defensins than group EP (P <0.05). Group EP presented greater levels of interleukin-1b and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand than group EP-HN019 (P <0.05). Conclusion: Topical use of B. lactis HN019 promotes a protective effect against alveolar bone loss and CTALs attributable to EP in rats, modifying immunoinflammatory and microbiologic parameters.