Statins and oral biofilm: Simvastatin as a promising drug to control periodontal dysbiosis

Author(s)

de Carvalho, Rafaela D. Parolina ; Moreno, Jessica de Andrade ; Roque, Sindy Magri ; Hong Chan, Daniel Cheuk ; Torrez, Willy Bustillos ; Stipp, Rafael Nobrega ; Bueno-Silva, Bruno ; de Lima, Patricia Oliveira ; Cogo-Muller, Karina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ORAL DISEASES; v. N/A, p. 12-pg., 2022-12-08.

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study evaluated antimicrobial activity of atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin against oral bacteria, and the interaction of simvastatin with standard antimicrobials (amoxicillin and metronidazole).MethodsMinimal inhibitory concentration assays were performed with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus gordonii; checkerboard microdilution assays between simvastatin and standard antimicrobials; monospecies and multispecies biofilms.ResultsSimvastatin showed the best antimicrobial activity against most species (MIC range from 3.12 to 25 mu g/ml), highlighting the sensitivity of P. gingivalis. In the checkerboard assay, synergistic interaction was found between simvastatin and amoxicillin against S. oralis and S. sanguinis. P. gingivalis biofilm was inhibited by simvastatin at 10 and 50x Minimal inhibitory concentration, with similar effects to metronidazole. For multispecies biofilm, SMV reduced the biofilm metabolic activity (79%) and total counts (87%), comparable to amoxicillin. Simvastatin also reduced bacterial counts of Veilonnella parvula, P. gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, P. intermedia, and Capnocytophaga ochracea in the multispecies biofilm.ConclusionsSimvastatin showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against oral bacteria and may contribute to the control of dysbiosis, and may be considered in clinical studies as an adjuvant in the treatment of periodontitis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/20593-0 - Influence of simvastatin on the mevalonate pathway and the production of bacterial cell wall precursors: an antimicrobial mechanism of action
• Grantee: Karina Cogo Müller
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants