Probiotic consumption reduces alveolar bone loss and kidney damage in pregnant rats with experimental periodontitis

Abstract

Background: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) is a probiotic bacterial strain with immunomodulatory properties. Its benefits have been observed in healthy and systemically compromised animals with periodontitis (PD). Our objective was to investigate the local and systemic effects of the systemic administration of B. lactis in pregnant rats with experimental periodontitis (EP).

Methods: For this, 48 pregnant rats were divided into four different groups (n = 12/group): Control (C), Probiotic (PROB), Periodontitis (PD), and Periodontitis + Probiotic (PD-PROB). EP was induced using a mixed model of cotton ligature placement and oral gavage of Porphyromonas gingivalis W83. On gestational day 19, the animals were euthanized for sample collection and analysis. Jaws, kidneys, and urine samples were collected for microtomographic, histological, histomorphometric, and biochemical analyses. The data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05) using nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey and Dunn post hoc tests.

Results: EP resulted in local and systemic damage, such as alveolar bone loss (ABL) and kidney damage, and the consumption of B. lactis HN019 resulted in improvements in these parameters. Regarding mandibular analyses, the PD-PROB group showed greater bone volume in the furcation region, a greater number and thickness of bone trabeculae, and less bone porosity and separation between trabeculae compared to the PD group (p < 0.05). Regarding kidney analysis, the PD-PROB group showed lower glomerular and Bowman's capsule diameters and circumferences compared to the PD group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Probiotic consumption reduced damage in mandibular bone and kidney tissues in pregnant rats with EP.

Plain language summary: Periodontitis (PD) is a destructive periodontal disease that can lead to tooth loss. The treatment for PD consists of scaling and root planing to remove calculus and plaque deposits; however, some systemic conditions make it difficult to control this disease. Probiotic bacteria have emerged as adjuvants in the treatment of infectious diseases, and their benefits have been demonstrated in the management of PD. The aims of the present study were to evaluate whether PD has a negative impact on pregnancy and whether the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 can reduce this impact. For this purpose, 48 pregnant rats were divided into four experimental groups (Control, Probiotic, PD, and PD + Probiotic), and samples of maternal and pup weights, as well as placentas, mandibles, urine, and kidneys, were collected and analyzed. We observed that PD negatively impacted pregnant rats, resulting in greater alveolar bone loss, increased expression of proteinuria and creatinine in urine, and kidney damage; systemic probiotic administration reduced these harmful effects. In addition, pups, as well as mothers supplemented with probiotic, exhibited higher weights and larger litter sizes, suggesting a beneficial effect on nutrition and development during pregnancy.

Keywords: Porphyromonas gingivalis; periodontitis; pregnancy; probiotics.