Effect of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 containing lozenges and plaque pH and cariogenic bacteria in diabetic children: a randomised clinical trial

The Effect of Microbiome-Modulating Agents (MMAs) on Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Gut microbiome-modulating agents (MMAs), including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, are shown to ameliorate type 1 diabetes (T1D) by restoring the microbiome from dysbiosis. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of MMAs on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and biomarkers associated with (T1D). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, National Knowledge Infrastructure, WeiPu, and WanFang Data up to 30 November 2023. Ten randomized controlled trials (n = 630) were included, with study quality evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Random-effect models with standardized mean differences (SMDs) were utilized. MMA supplementation was associated with improvements in HbA1c (SMD = -0.52, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.20]), daily insulin usage (SMD = -0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.76, -0.07]), and fasting C-peptide (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI [0.17, 1.81]) but had no effects on FBG, CRP, TNF-α, IL-10, LDL, HDL, and the Shannon index. Subgroup analysis of HbA1c indicated that a long-term intervention (>3 months) might exert a more substantial effect. These findings suggest an association between MMAs and glycemic control in T1D. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings with investigations on inflammation and gut microbiota composition while adjusting confounding factors such as diet, physical activity, and the dose and form of MMA intervention.

Efficacy of the Probiotic L. brevis in Counteracting the Demineralizing Process of the Tooth Enamel Surface: Results from an In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND

Enamel plays an essential role in protecting the underlying layers of the human tooth; therefore, preserving it is vital. This experimental study aimed to evaluate the potential ability of L. brevis to counteract the action of a demineralizing agent on dental enamel morphology and mineral composition in vitro.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 12 healthy human posterior teeth. The coronal portion of each tooth was subdivided into two equal parts longitudinally. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups: artificial saliva, L. brevis suspension, demineralizing agent (DA), and DA plus L. brevis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate the surface micromorphology and the mineral content, respectively. The statistical analysis was conducted using a one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test.

RESULTS

SEM analysis did not highlight significant changes in the enamel microstructure of L. brevis-treated specimens compared to the control. DA-induced damage to the enamel structure was drastically reduced when the specimens were contextually exposed to the probiotic. The treatment with DA substantially reduced the weight % of crucial enamel minerals, i.e., Ca and P. Notably, the probiotic was able to reverse the demineralization process, bringing Ca and P weight % back to basal levels, including the Ca/P ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that L. brevis is able to efficiently protect the dental enamel surface from the damage caused by DA and increase the enamel resistance to demineralization. Overall, L. brevis confirms its efficacy in preventing or counteracting the action of carious lesions through a novel mechanism that protects the tooth surface under a chemical challenge that mimics the caries process.

Postbiotic Metabolite of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PD18 against Periodontal Pathogens and Their Virulence Markers in Biofilm Formation

Alternative methods to reduce infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens and their virulence factors, biofilm formations, have arisen to reduce the pressure on existing or currently developed disinfectants and antimicrobial agents. The current strategies for reducing the severity of periodontal pathogen-caused disease by using beneficial bacteria and their metabolites are highly desirable. Probiotic strains of lactobacilli related to foods from Thai-fermented foods were selected and their postbiotic metabolites (PM) were isolated with inhibitory activity on periodontal pathogens and their biofilm formation. The PM from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PD18 (PD18 PM) with the highest antagonistic effect against Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella loescheii was selected from 139 Lactobacillus isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values of PD18 PM against the pathogens ranged from 1:2 to 1:4. The PD18 PM demonstrated the ability to prevent the biofilm formation of S. mutans and P. gingivalis by showing a significant reduction in viable cells, high percentages of biofilm inhibition at 92.95 and 89.68%, and the highest effective contact times at 5 and 0.5 min, respectively. L. plantarum PD18 PM showed potential as a promising natural adjunctive agent to inhibit periodontal pathogens and their biofilms.

Efficacy of probiotics against dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Dental caries causes serious consequences and the financial burden of society especially in children with high morbidity rate. Here we carried out a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy of probiotics against dental caries in children. Forty-three RCTs were eligible for this meta-analysis after searching the PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science from the inception through October 2021. Pooled estimates demonstrated that treatment with probiotics significantly reduced noncavitated (dicdas2-6mft) (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.3 to -0.06, p = 0.002) and cavitated (dicdas5-6mft) carious lesions in children (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.5 to 0.14, p = 0.0004). Probiotics also reduced prevalence of noncavitated (dicdas2-6mft) carious lesions (RR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.67 to-0.97, p = 0.02). Salivary Streptococcus mutans was declined after intervention (SMD = -1.17, 95% CI: -1.85 to -0.5, p = 0.0007), while Lactobacillus counts were upregulated (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.46-1.92, p = 0.001). However, no significant effects in total bacteria counts and salivary pH were observed. Our findings suggest that probiotics especially Lactobacillus could be a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical applications in children dental caries.

Evidence and possible mechanisms of probiotics in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic immune-mediated diseases. The prevalence is worldwide especially among children and young adults. The destruction of the pancreatic β-cells due to some abnormalities in the immune system characterizes T1DM. Considering the high burden of the disease and its impact on human health, researchers have made great efforts during the last decades; investigating the disease pathogenesis and discovering new strategies for its management. Fortunately, probiotics have been found as potential remedies for T1DM. This review aims to explore the potentialities of probiotics in managing T1DM and its complications. Based on the outcomes of human and animal studies carried out from 2016 to 2021, the review hopes to assess the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of T1DM and its complications. We first tried to explain the disease's pathogenesis, and highlighted the possible mechanisms involved in these potentialities of probiotics. We concluded that, probiotics can be used as possible therapeutic tools for the management of T1DM. Possible mechanisms of action of probiotics include; the modulation of the gut microbiota, the regulation of inflammation-related cytokines, the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the regulation of GLP-1. However, we recommend further studies especially human trials should be carried out to investigate these potentialities of probiotics.

Highlights

• T1DM is highly prevalent worldwide, causing high morbidity and mortality especially among children and young adults• Gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of T1DM via an interconnection with the immune system• Probiotics can be used as possible therapeutic tools for the management of T1DM• Possible mechanisms of action of probiotics include the modulation of the gut microbiota, the regulation of inflammation-related cytokines, the production of SCFAs, and the regulation of GLP-1.

The beneficial effect of yoghurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus on caries prevention in children with diabetes mellitus type 1

Background / Aim: Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus are thought to have an increased risk of caries. This study aimed to examine the short-term effect (sixty days long) of commercially available yoghurt consumption containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic culture (LGG yoghurt) on the oral Streptococcus mutans count and saliva buffer capacity in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Children were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the placebo group. Both groups consisted of 50 (N = 50) children with juvenile diabetes, aged 10-15 years, with controlled glucose levels and irregular oral hygiene. At the first examination, every child was evaluated for the caries risk. A sample of unstimulated saliva before yoghurt consumption and after washout of the teeth was inspected for S mutans count. The samples were tested for Saliva buffer capacity (Saliva-Check Buffer Testing Mat GC America). The same procedure was repeated after 14 days, 30 days and 60 days after the treatment with probiotic yoghurt. Results: The results showed decreased number of S mutans colonies at the 60day control examination in the probiotic group. The study also proved a significant increase in saliva buffer capacity in both groups after 60 days. Conclusion: It could be concluded that daily consumption of LGG yoghurt can improve caries prevention in children with diabetes mellitus type I.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics and Dental Caries. New Perspectives, Suggestions, and Patient Coaching Approach for a Cavity-Free Mouth

Probiotic therapy forms a new strategy for dental caries prevention. Probiotic microorganisms possess the ability to displace cariogenic microorganisms and colonize the oral cavity. They can produce various antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocins, bacteriocin-like peptides, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Dairy products may be ideal for probiotic administration in dental patients. Many other means have been proposed, primarily for those allergic to dairy components, such as capsules, liquid form, tablets, drops, lozenges, sweetened cakes, and ice creams. The last two forms can be used in a coaching approach for children and elderly patients who find it difficult to avoid sugary beverages in their daily routine and benefit from the suggestion of easy, cheap, and common forms of delicacies. In caries prevention, the concept of the effector strain is already considered an integral part of the contemporary caries cure or prevention strategy in adults. Adults, though, seem not to be favored as much as children at early ages by using probiotics primarily due to their oral microbiome’s stability. In this non-systematic review we describe the modes of action of probiotics, their use in the cariology field, their clinical potential, and propose options to prevent caries through a patient coaching approach for the daily dental practice.