Preventive effects of Weissella cibaria CMU on the progression of periodontitis in a rat model.

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is a widespread chronic inflammatory disease impacting 20-50% of the global population.

METHODS

This study evaluated the effects of Weissella cibaria CMU (CMU) on preventing the progression of periodontitis in a rat model. Periodontitis was induced by injecting lipopolysaccharide into the palatal gingiva around the first and second maxillary molars. CMU was then administered at three concentrations (low: 2 × 107 CFU/rat/day; mid: 2 × 108 CFU/rat/day; high: 2 × 109 CFU/rat/day) for 14 days to assess its ability to prevent further periodontal damage.

RESULTS

The administration of CMU significantly improved gingivitis and plaque indices in a dose-dependent manner. Macroscopic analysis and micro-computed tomography showed a dose-dependent reduction in alveolar bone loss in the CMU groups. Although histopathological analysis indicated a decrease in bone loss, statistical significance was not achieved in the high-dose group. Pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-1, and MMP-9 were suppressed in a dose-dependent manner in the CMU groups. Additionally, mid- and high-dose CMU increased the relative abundance of Weissella in the oral microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS

CMU can influence the oral microbiome, reduce inflammatory mediators, and alleviate histological changes in periodontal tissue, highlighting its potential as a probiotic strain for preventing periodontitis.