Pre-clinical evaluation of the efficacy of nisin and lactoferrin in modulation of oral microbiota and oral and systemic inflammation

Abstract

The microbiota, composed of microorganisms in symbiosis with their host, plays a crucial role in physiological processes when in balance. Disturbances in microbial balance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to conditions such as periodontitis and halitosis. The connection between oral dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) opens up research perspectives, especially considering bacterial translocation and the inflammatory response. In this regard, this project aims to investigate the effects of nisin, lactoferrin, and chitosan nanoparticles containing one of the antimicrobials (NPs) on the modulation of oral microbiota, microbial translocation, and inflammation locally (oral cavity) and sistemic (gastrointestinal tract). To achieve this, BALB/C/JUnib isogenic mice will be orally inoculated with Streptococcus oralis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia for 8 weeks and will simultaneously receive treatments with nisin, lactoferrin, NPs, in addition to untreated groups. Subsequently, the composition of the oral microbiota will be assessed through qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, the effectiveness of these substances in preventing oral bacterial translocation to other organs such as the liver, spleen, and colon will be examined. Furthermore, the oral and colon inflammatory profile will be verified through histopathological analyses and quantification of inflammatory cytokines by ELISA. The research emphasizes the importance of modulating the oral microbiota as a preventive strategy for the development of oral and intestinal diseases, as well as promoting therapeutic innovation and potential impact on public health. It is expected that nisin, lactoferrin, and NPs may modulate the oral microbiota, creating a more balanced microbial environment, which could prevent oral conditions such as periodontitis and halitosis. Moreover, the potential modulation facilitated by antimicrobial substances may reduce local and intestinal inflammatory responses, minimizing the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), already known for their association with oral conditions. Therefore, the research aims to contribute significantly to therapeutic innovation, providing an alternative with low risk of bacterial resistance. (AU)