Dietary supplementation with multi-strain formula of probiotics modulates inflammatory and immunological markers in apical periodontitis

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether probiotics multi-strain formula affects the development of apical periodontitis (AP) induced in rats. Methodology 16 Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n=8): rats with AP fed with regular diet (Control-C (CG)); rats with AP, fed with regular diet and supplemented with multi-strain formula (one billion colony-forming units (CFU)): GNC Probiotic Complex (PCG) ( Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivaris, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. lactis and Streptococcus thermofilus ). AP was induced in the upper and lower first molars by dental pulp exposure to the oral environment. PCG was administered orally through gavage for 30 days during the AP development. After this period the animals were euthanized and the mandibles were removed and processed for histologic analysis, and immunochemical assays for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β, RANKL, OPG, and TRAP. The Mann–Whitney U test and Student’s t test were performed (P.05). The number of mature osteoclasts (TRAP-positive multinucleated cells) was lower in PCG group when compared to the CG (P