Weissella cibaria CMU's Potent Anti-biofilm, Antibacterial, and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The 34th research paper on dental health and probiotics completed by OraTicx R&D team has been replaced by a groundbreaking study investigating the in vitro anti-biofilm, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity of Weissella cibaria CMU (oraCMU), an oral probiotic, against periodontopathogens.

This oral probiotic has been found to exhibit superior inhibitory effects on biofilm formation and growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to dental caries and periodontitis, compared to other oral probiotics.

Anti-biofilm and Antibacterial Activity

The researchers found that oraCMU exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation and growth of S. mutans on orthodontic wires and artificial teeth (p < 0.05). In addition, oraCMU demonstrated potent antibacterial effects against S. mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontopathogen, as evidenced by a line test.

Anti-inflammatory Effects and Restoration of Tissue Inhibitor

oraCMU was also found to suppress the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) stimulated by P. gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, or Prevotella intermedia. This suppression occurred in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CMU restored the production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), which had been inhibited by P. gingivalis, and suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -3 induced by periodontopathogens (p < 0.05).

Direct Contact Mechanism

Interestingly, the researchers discovered that oraCMU needed direct contact with HGFs to exert its anti-inflammatory function. This finding indicates that CMU acts directly on gingival cells to modulate local inflammation and suggests that topical oraCMU treatments could be effective in preventing the development of caries and periodontitis caused by dysbiosis of the dental plaque microbiome.

This groundbreaking preclinical study has provided evidence for the potential benefits of topical oraCMU treatments in preventing the development of caries and periodontitis. By exhibiting potent anti-biofilm, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, Weissella cibaria CMU offers a promising alternative for improving oral health and preventing dental diseases caused by an imbalance in the dental plaque microbiome. Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and develop effective oraCMU-based treatments for oral health.