Probiotics alter the immune response of gingival epithelial cells challenged by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Author(s)

Albuquerque-Souza, Emmanuel ^{[1, 2]} ; Balzarini, Danilo ^[2] ; Ando-Suguimoto, Ellen S. ^[1] ; Ishikawa, Karin H. ^[1] ; Simionato, Maria R. L. ^[1] ; Holzhausen, Marinella ^[2] ; Mayer, Marcia P. A. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Microbiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent, Dept Stomatol, Div Periodont, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH; v. 54, n. 2, p. 115-127, APR 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background and ObjectiveAlthough previous studies revealed the potential use of probiotics in the control of periodontitis, little is known about their interactions with gingival epithelial cells (GECs). Since GECs comprise the first defense in the subgingival microenvironment, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains on OBA-9 cells challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis. MethodsImmortalized human GECs (OBA-9) were challenged with live P.gingivalis (strains W83 and ATCC33277) and co-infected with one of 12 tested probiotic strains at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1:1000 for 2hours. Bacterial adhesion and invasion were determined by antibiotic exclusion analysis and CFU counting. OBA-9 viability was assessed by MTT assay, and levels of inflammatory mediators (TNF-, IL-1, and CXCL8) in the supernatants were determined by ELISA. The expression of genes encoding Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) was evaluated by RT-qPCR. ResultsBoth strains of P.gingivalis were able to adhere and invade OBA-9 cells, with significant loss in cell viability, increase in the levels of TNF- and IL-1, and upregulation of TLR4. However, co-infection with probiotics attenuated these effects in P.gingivalis challenged GECs. Most probiotics maintained OBA-9 viability and reduced pathogens adhesion and invasion. Furthermore, probiotics were able to adhere to GECs, which was enhanced for most strains in the presence of P.gingivalis. The synthesis of IL-1 and TNF- by P.gingivalis in challenged GECs was reduced in co-culture with most of the tested probiotics, whereas the secretion of CXCL8 increased, and TLR4 was downregulated. ConclusionProbiotics can alter the interaction of GECs with P.gingivalis by modulating the pathogen's ability to adhere and invade these cells, as well as by regulating the innate immune response. Such properties are strain-specific and may indicate the most efficient probiotics to control periodontitis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/18273-9 - New strategies for the control of periodontitis
• Grantee: Marcia Pinto Alves Mayer
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/14687-6 - Evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of probiotics in periodontal disease
• Grantee: Emmanuel Albuquerque de Souza
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate