Immunological and periodontal benefits of prebiotic polydextrose in rats with induced periodontitis.

BACKGROUND

Prebiotic therapy is a promising approach for managing periodontitis due to its potential benefits in modulating the microbiome and the immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the prebiotic (PREB) polydextrose (PDX) on the development of experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats.

METHODS

A total of 44 male adult rats (Rattus norvegicus, albinus, Wistar) were randomly allocated into groups (n = 11) C (control), PREB, EP, and EP/PREB. The PREB and EP/PREB groups received 2 g of PDX/day in the drinking water for 44 days. The EP and EP/PREB groups received cotton ligatures around mandibular first molars (M1) for 14 days. Microtomographic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses of periodontal and intestinal tissues were performed. Data were analyzed statistically (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The EP/PREB group showed less alveolar bone destruction than the EP group. The EP/PREB group exhibited higher expressions of IL-10 and a lower number of TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase)-positive cells than the EP group in periodontal tissues. The EP/PREB group had increased villus heights in the duodenum and ileum, increased crypt depths in the duodenum, and higher expressions of occludin in all intestinal portions, claudin-1 in the jejunum, IL-10 in the duodenum, and lower expressions of IL-1β in the jejunum compared with the EP group.

CONCLUSION

Polydextrose exerted a protective effect against alveolar bone resorption and favorably modulated both local and systemic immune-inflammatory response in rats with experimental periodontitis.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Prebiotic therapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating periodontitis, an immunoinflammatory disease associated with a dysbiotic biofilm that leads to the loss of the supporting structures of the teeth. This is because prebiotics can positively influence the balance of bacteria in the body and the immune system's response. However, current understanding of its potential effects and mechanisms of action remains limited in periodontal therapy. The effects of the prebiotic polydextrose (PDX) on periodontal tissues remain unknown. The results of the present study show that the prebiotic PDX can minimize alveolar bone loss and improve bone microarchitecture through modulation of the immune-inflammatory response in both intestinal and periodontal tissues of rats with experimental periodontitis. Our findings suggest that the prebiotic PDX may represent a beneficial adjunctive strategy for managing periodontitis.