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Altamura S, Augello FR, Ortu E, Pietropaoli D, Cinque B, Giannoni M, Lombardi F. Efficacy of the Probiotic L. brevis in Counteracting the Demineralizing Process of the Tooth Enamel Surface: Results from an In Vitro Study. Biomolecules 2024; 14:605. [PMID: 38786012 PMCID: PMC11118116 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Altamura
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
- Ph.D. School in Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Center of Oral Diseases, Prevention and Translational Research—Dental Clinic, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Oral Diseases and Systemic Interactions Study Group (ODISSY Group), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosaria Augello
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Eleonora Ortu
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
- Center of Oral Diseases, Prevention and Translational Research—Dental Clinic, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Oral Diseases and Systemic Interactions Study Group (ODISSY Group), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Davide Pietropaoli
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
- Center of Oral Diseases, Prevention and Translational Research—Dental Clinic, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Oral Diseases and Systemic Interactions Study Group (ODISSY Group), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Benedetta Cinque
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Mario Giannoni
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
- Center of Oral Diseases, Prevention and Translational Research—Dental Clinic, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Lombardi
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (F.R.A.); (E.O.); (D.P.); (F.L.)
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