Experimental allergic airway inflammation impacts gut homeostasis in mice.

Background: /Aims: Epidemiological data show that there is an important relationship between respiratory and intestinal diseases. To improve our understanding on the interconnectedness between the lung and intestinal mucosa and the overlap between respiratory and intestinal diseases, our aim was to investigate the influence of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation on gut homeostasis. Methods: A/J mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The animals were euthanized 24 h after the last challenge, lung inflammation was determined by evaluating cells in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum anti-OVA IgG titers and colon morphology, inflammation and integrity of the intestinal mucosa were investigated. IL-4 and IL-13 levels and myeloperoxidase activity were determined in the colon samples. The expression of genes involved in inflammation and mucin production at the gut mucosa was also evaluated. Results: OVA challenge resulted not only in lung inflammation but also in macroscopic alterations in the gut such as colon shortening, increased myeloperoxidase activity and loss of integrity in the colonic mucosal. Neutral mucin intensity was lower in the OVA group, which was followed by down-regulation of transcription of ATOH1 and up-regulation of TJP1 and MUC2. In addition, the OVA group had higher levels of IL-13 and IL-4 in the colon. Ova-specific IgG1 and OVA-specific IgG2a titers were higher in the serum of the OVA group than in controls. Conclusions: Our data using the OVA experimental model suggested that challenges in the respiratory system may result not only in allergic airway inflammation but also in the loss of gut homeostasis.

Experimental allergic airway inflammation impacts gut homeostasis in mice

Background Aims: Epidemiological data show that there is an important relationship between respiratory and intestinal diseases. To improve our understanding on the interconnectedness between the lung and intestinal mucosa and the overlap between respiratory and intestinal diseases, our aim was to investigate the influence of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation on gut homeostasis. Methods A/J mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The animals were euthanized 24 h after the last challenge, lung inflammation was determined by evaluating cells in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum anti-OVA IgG titers and colon morphology, inflammation and integrity of the intestinal mucosa were investigated. IL-4 and IL-13 levels and myeloperoxidase activity were determined in the colon samples. The expression of genes involved in inflammation and mucin production at the gut mucosa was also evaluated. Results OVA challenge resulted not only in lung inflammation but also in macroscopic alterations in the gut such as colon shortening, increased myeloperoxidase activity and loss of integrity in the colonic mucosal. Neutral mucin intensity was lower in the OVA group, which was followed by down-regulation of transcription of ATOH1 and up-regulation of TJP1 and MUC2. In addition, the OVA group had higher levels of IL-13 and IL-4 in the colon. Ova-specific IgG1 and OVA-specific IgG2a titers were higher in the serum of the OVA group than in controls. Conclusions Our data using the OVA experimental model suggested that challenges in the respiratory system may result not only in allergic airway inflammation but also in the loss of gut homeostasis.

Probiotics During the Therapeutic Management of Periodontitis.

Scaling and root planing is the gold standard for the treatment of periodontitis, but administration of systemic antibiotics may be needed especially for sites with deep probing depths, or in the presence of comorbidities. However, treated sites are subject to recolonization with a microbiota similar to that present before therapy, and supportive periodontal therapy is employed after the treatment of active disease. The use of beneficial organisms, known as probiotics, seems an attractive proposal to promote a healthy associated subgingival microbiome and to control inflammation for the management of periodontitis. The mechanisms underlying the benefits promoted by probiotics involve interference on periodontopathogens, modulation of the exacerbated immune host response and the ability to restore the integrity of the epithelial barrier on mucosa surfaces. This review examines the scientific data related to the effects of probiotics on the treatment of periodontal diseases and addresses the future approaches necessary for their implementation.

Probiotics improve re-epithelialization of scratches infected by Porphyromonas gingivalis through up-regulating CXCL8-CXCR1/CXCR2 axis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis inhibits the release of CXCL8 by gingival epithelial cells and reduces their proliferation. We previously reported that Bifidocaterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp. immunomodulate gingival epithelial cells response to this periodontal pathogen, but their effects on re-epithelialization properties are still unknown. Herein we explored these activities of potential probiotics on gingival epithelial cells and clarified their mechanisms. The immortalized OBA-9 lineage was used to perform in vitro scratches. Twelve clinical isolates and commercially available strains of Bifidobacterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp. were screened. L. casei 324 m and B. pseudolongum 1191A were selected to perform mechanistic assays with P. gingivalis W83 infection and the following parameters were measured: percentage of re-epithelialization by DAPI immunofluorescence area measurement; cell number by Trypan Blue exclusion assay; CXCL8 regulation by ELISA and RT-qPCR; and expression of CXCL8 cognate receptors-CXCR1 and CXCR2 by Flow Cytometry. Complementary mechanistic assays were performed with CXCL8, in the presence or absence of the CXCR1/CXCR2 inhibitor-reparixin. L. casei 324 m and B. pseudolongum 1191A enhanced re-epithelialization/cell proliferation as well as inhibited the harmful effects of P. gingivalis W83 on these activities through an increase in the expression and release of CXCL8 and in the number of cells positive for CXCR1/CXCR2. Further, we revealed that the beneficial effects of these potential probiotics were dependent on activation of the CXCL8-CXCR1/CXCR2 axis. The current findings indicate that these potential probiotics strains may improve wound healing in the context of the periodontal tissues by a CXCL8 dependent mechanism.

Probiotics alter biofilm formation and the transcription of Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence-associated genes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The potential of probiotics on the prevention and control of periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory conditions has been suggested. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species influence P. gingivalis interaction with gingival epithelial cells (GECs) but may not act in a unique way. In order to select the most appropriate probiotic against P. gingivalis, we aimed to evaluate the effect of several strains on Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm formation and transcription virulence-associated factors (PgVAFs). METHODS: Cell-free pH neutralized supernatants (CFS) and living Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were tested against P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 and W83, in mono- and multi-species (with Streptococcus oralis and S. gordonii) biofilms. Relative transcription of P. gingivalis genes (fimA, mfa1, kgp, rgp, ftsH and luxS) was determined in biofilms and under GECs co-infection. RESULTS: Probiotics CFS reduced P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 levels in mono-species biofilms and living probiotics reduced P. gingivalis abundance in multi-species biofilms. L. acidophilus LA5 down-regulated transcription of most PgVAFs in biofilms and GECs. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics affect P. gingivalis biofilm formation by down-regulating overall PgVAFs with the most pronounced effect observed for L. acidophilus LA5.

The role of probiotic bacteria in managing periodontal disease: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The frequent recolonization of treated sites by periodontopathogens and the emergence of antibiotic resistance have led to a call for new therapeutic approaches for managing periodontal diseases. As probiotics are considered a new tool for combating infectious diseases, we systematically reviewed the evidences for their effectiveness in the management of periodontitis. AREAS COVERED: An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Cochrane Library databases up to March 2016 using the terms 'periodontitis', 'chronic periodontitis', 'probiotic(s)', 'prebiotic(s)', 'symbiotic(s)', 'Bifidobacterium and 'Lactobacillus'. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the present study. Analysis of 12 RCTs revealed that in general, oral administration of probiotics improved the recognized clinical signs of chronic and aggressive periodontitis such as probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and attachment loss, with a concomitant reduction in the levels of major periodontal pathogens. Continuous probiotic administration, laced mainly with Lactobacillus species, was necessary to maintain these benefits. Expert commentary: Oral administration of probiotics is a safe and effective adjunct to conventional mechanical treatment (scaling) in the management of periodontitis, specially the chronic disease entity. Their adjunctive use is likely to improve disease indices and reduce the need for antibiotics.

Utilização de probióticos para o controle da prevalência de Candida oral em pacientes edentados totais / The use of probiotics for control of the prevalence of oral Candida in total edentulous patients

Probióticos são microrganismos vivos que conferem benefícios à saúde dos indivíduos, quando administrados em quantidades adequadas. Além de promoverem uma melhora no sistema gastrointestinal, os probióticos são conhecidos por sua capacidade de inibirem o crescimento de microrganismos patogênicos. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a influência dos probióticos na redução da prevalência de Candida oral de indivíduos usuários de próteses totais. Para realização deste estudo foi elaborado o bioproduto contendo probióticos, Lactobacillus rhamnosus e Lactobacillus acidophilus. O protocolo do estudo foi duplo-cego randomizado, sendo que os sujeitos da pesquisa foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental (probióticos) e controle (placebo). Os participantes utilizaram o produto durante cinco semanas e o resultado foi avaliado segundo a contagem de leveduras isoladas em unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC/mL), antes e após a intervenção. Paralelamente, a esta fase clínica da pesquisa, foram testadas in vitro a ação de outras cepas de Lactobacillus com a finalidade de verificar a associação entre a cepa de Lactobacillus com a redução das espécies de Candida isoladas do palato e das próteses, bem como, com a sensibilidade aos antifúngicos, miconazol e nistatina. Também foi pesquisado um dos principais mecanismos de ação contra patógenos, por Lactobacillus spp, a produção de bacteriocinas. Os resultados inferem que as cepas de probióticos testadas: foram eficazes na redução da prevalência de Candida oral de usuários de próteses totais; in vitro, inibiram o crescimento de Candida sp, sendo L. rhamnosus Lr-32 a cepa com melhor resultado e não produzem bacteriocinas quando em contato com a levedura.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer benefits to the health of an individual when administered in adequate amounts. In addition to promoting an improvement in a gastrointestinal system, the probiotics are known for their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The present study sought to evaluate the capacity of probiotics strains in reducing the prevalence of oral Candida in denture wearers. For this study, the by-product was elaborated containing probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The study protocol was randomized, double-blind, being that the subjects of the research were randomly sorted into two groups: experimental (probiotics) and control (placebo). The participants utilized the product daily for five weeks and the result was evaluated according to the amount of yeasts isolated in colony-forming units (CFU), before and after the intervention. In parallel to this clinical phase, the action of other Lactobacillus strains were tested in vitro, with the purpose of verifying the relation between the strain of Lactobacillus and the reduction of Candida species isolated from the palate and the prostheses, as well as, with the sensitivity to antifungal agents, miconazole and nystatin. The production of bacteriocins is one of the main mechanisms of action by Lactobacillus spp. against pathogens, and was analised. The results imply that the strains of tested probiotics: in vivo, were effective in reducing the prevalence of oral Candida for denture wearers; in vitro, inhibited the growth of Candida sp, being that L. rhamnosus Lr-32 was the best resulting strain, and the strains did not produce bacteriocins when in contact with yeast.

Study of the surface hardness and modulus of elasticity of conventional and microwave-cured acrylic resins.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the following acrylic resins: Clássico, QC-20 and Lucitone, recommended specifically for thermal polymerization, and Acron MC and VIPI-WAVE, made for polymerization by microwave energy. The resins were evaluated regarding their surface nanohardness and modulus of elasticity, while varying the polymerization time recommended by the manufacturer. They were also compared as to the presence of water absorbed by the samples. The technique used was nanoindentation, using the Nano Indenter XP, MTS. According to an intra-group analysis, when using the polymerization time recommended by the manufacturer, a variation of 0.14 to 0.23 GPa for nanohardness and 2.61 to 3.73 GPa for modulus of elasticity was observed for the thermally polymerized resins. The variation for the resins made for polymerization by microwave energy was 0.15 to 0.22 GPa for nanohardness and 2.94 to 3.73 GPa for modulus of elasticity. The conclusion was that the Classico resin presented higher nanohardness and higher modulus of elasticity values when compared to those of the same group, while Acron MC presented the highest values for the same characteristics when compared to those of the same group. The water absorption evaluation showed that all the thermal polymerization resins, except for Lucitone, presented significant nanohardness differences when submitted to dehydration or rehydration, while only Acron MC presented no significant differences when submitted to a double polymerization time. Regarding the modulus of elasticity, it was observed that all the tested materials and products, except for Lucitone, showed a significant increase in modulus of elasticity when submitted to a lack of hydration.

Study of the surface hardness and modulus of elasticity of conventional and microwave-cured acrylic resins

The aim of this study was to evaluate the following acrylic resins: Clássico®, QC-20® and Lucitone®, recommended specifically for thermal polymerization, and Acron MC® and VIPI-WAVE®, made for polymerization by microwave energy. The resins were evaluated regarding their surface nanohardness and modulus of elasticity, while varying the polymerization time recommended by the manufacturer. They were also compared as to the presence of water absorbed by the samples. The technique used was nanoindentation, using the Nano Indenter XP®, MTS. According to an intra-group analysis, when using the polymerization time recommended by the manufacturer, a variation of 0.14 to 0.23 GPa for nanohardness and 2.61 to 3.73 GPa for modulus of elasticity was observed for the thermally polymerized resins. The variation for the resins made for polymerization by microwave energy was 0.15 to 0.22 GPa for nanohardness and 2.94 to 3.73 GPa for modulus of elasticity. The conclusion was that the Classico® resin presented higher nanohardness and higher modulus of elasticity values when compared to those of the same group, while Acron MC® presented the highest values for the same characteristics when compared to those of the same group. The water absorption evaluation showed that all the thermal polymerization resins, except for Lucitone®, presented significant nanohardness differences when submitted to dehydration or rehydration, while only Acron MC® presented no significant differences when submitted to a double polymerization time. Regarding the modulus of elasticity, it was observed that all the tested materials and products, except for Lucitone®, showed a significant increase in modulus of elasticity when submitted to a lack of hydration.