Author(s)

Li Zhu, Hui Li, Xueqin Yang, Li Xue, Xin Li, Junrong Du^*

Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Background: Periodontal diseases comprise a wide range of inflammatory conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, and may lead to severe periodontal destruction and even tooth loss. Streptococcus salivarius K12 (S. salivarius K12), one of oral probiotics, has been reported to be able to inhibit various potentially deleterious bacteria. This study was the first time to investigate the effects of S. salivarius K12 on ligature-induced periodontitis in mice. Methods: A silk ligature was tied around the second left maxillary molar to establish the model of periodontitis, and then, mice in group S. salivarius K12 were administered with S. salivarius K12 (2 x 10⁹ CFU) twice daily for 30 d, the others were treated with isopyknic water. Results: Administration with S. salivarius K12 markedly decreased the anaerobic bacteria accumulation on the teeth, and it also considerably alleviated periodontitis-induced alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss. Moreover, S. salivarius K12 administration increased the relative species abundance of Gram-positive bacterium in oral cavity while decreased Gram-negative bacterium, as well as the diversity of the bacterial community. Conclusion: Oral administration of the probiotic S. salivarius K12 may mitigate the alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss of periodontitis by modulating the oral microbiota.

Alveolar Bone Resorption, Oral Microbiota, Periodontitis, Probiotic, Streptococcus salivarius K12

Zhu, L. , Li, H. , Yang, X. , Xue, L. , Li, X. and Du, J. (2019) Effects of Streptococcus salivarius K12 on Experimental Periodontitis and Oral Microbiota in Mice. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 7, 95-111. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2019.712009.