Immunohistochemical analyses—IL-1β and CINC.

<p>Medians, interquartile range and maximum and minimum values of the immunolabeling scores for IL-1β (A) and CINC (B), with comparisons among groups. Photomicrographs showing immunolabeling for IL-1β (C-F) and CINC (G-J) in the furcation regions of mandibular first molars: Group C (C and G); Group PROB (D and H); Group EP-SRP (E and I); Group EP-SRP-PROB (F and J). Abbreviations: ab = alveolar bone; ct = connective tissue; pdl = periodontal ligament; * = <i>p</i><0.05. Scale bars: C-J = 80 μm. (Hematoxylin counterstaining).</p

Histomorphometric analysis of periodontal tissues.

<p>Means and standard deviations of ANB (A; furcation area) and AL (B; interproximal area), with comparisons among groups. Photomicrographs of periodontal tissues in the furcation (C-F) and interproximal areas (G-J) of mandibular first molars: Group C (C and G); Group PROB (D and H); Group EP-SRP (E and I); Group EP-SRP-PROB (F and J). Abbreviations and symbols: ab = alveolar bone; ct = connective tissue; pdl = periodontal ligament; ANB = area of no bone; AL = attachment loss; FM = first molar; SM = second molar; black arrows = cementoenamel junction; white arrows = epithelial attachment; * = <i>p</i><0.05; ** = <i>p</i><0.01; *** = <i>p</i><0.001. Scale bars: C-J = 200 μm. (Hematoxylin and Eosin stain).</p

Effects of the probiotic <i>Bifidobacterium animalis subsp</i>. <i>lactis</i> on the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. A histomorphometric, microtomographic and immunohistochemical study in rats

<div><p><i>Lactobacillus</i> probiotics have been investigated in periodontitis. However, the effects of the genus <i>Bifidobacterium</i> on periodontitis are hardly known. This study evaluated the effects of the probiotic (PROB) <i>Bifidobacterium animalis subsp</i>. <i>lactis</i> (<i>B</i>. <i>lactis</i>) HN019 as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in rats with experimental periodontitis (EP). At baseline, 32 rats were assigned to 4 groups: C (control), PROB, EP-SRP and EP-SRP-PROB. In groups EP-SRP and EP-SRP-PROB, the mandibular first molars of the animals received a ligature. At day 14, the ligatures were removed and SRP was performed. Animals of groups PROB and EP-SRP-PROB were orally administered with 10 mL/day of 10⁹ colony forming units of <i>B</i>. <i>lactis</i> HN019 for 15 days, starting at day 14. Animals were euthanized at day 29. Histomorphometric, microtomographic and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Microbiological effects of <i>B</i>. <i>lactis</i> on biofilm were also evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey; Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn’s; Two-tailed t-test; <i>p</i><0.05). Group EP-SRP-PROB presented reduced alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss when compared with Group EP-SRP (<i>p</i><0.05). Group EP-SRP-PROB showed significantly fewer osteoclasts, increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines compared with Group EP-SRP (<i>p</i><0.05). <i>B</i>. <i>lactis</i> promoted a higher ratio between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in biofilm samples (<i>p</i><0.05). <i>B</i>. <i>lactis</i> HN019 may have a role in the treatment of EP in rats, as an adjunct to SRP.</p></div

Immunohistochemical analyses—IL-10 and TGF-β1.

<p>Medians, interquartile range and maximum and minimum values of the immunolabeling scores for IL-10 (A) and TGF-β1 (B), with comparisons among groups. Photomicrographs showing immunolabeling for IL-10 (C-F) and TGF-β1 (G-J) in the furcation regions of mandibular first molars: Group C (C and G); Group PROB (D and H); Group EP-SRP (E and I); Group EP-SRP-PROB (F and J). Abbreviations: ab = alveolar bone; ct = connective tissue; pdl = periodontal ligament; * = <i>p</i><0.05. Scale bars: C-J = 80 μm. (Hematoxylin counterstaining).</p

Histomorphometric analysis of small intestine.

<p>Mean values and standard deviations of VH (A) and CD (B) in intestinal sections, with comparisons among groups. Photomicrographs of small intestine (duodenum sections): Group C (C); Group EP-SRP (D); Group PROB (E); Group EP-SRP-PROB (F). Abbreviations and symbols: LC = crypt of Lieberkühn; VH = villous height; CD = crypt depth; black arrowhead = calciform cells; * = Significant difference (<i>p</i><0.05) when compared with Groups C, EP-SRP and EP-SRP-PROB; ^† = Significant difference (<i>p</i><0.05) between Groups EP-SRP and EP-SRP-PROB; ^‡ = Significant difference (<i>p</i><0.05) between Groups C and EP-SRP-PROB; ^§ = Significant difference (<i>p</i><0.05) between Groups C and EP-SRP. Scale bars: C-F = 50 μm. (Hematoxylin and Eosin stain).</p