The Effect of Lactobacillus salivarius SGL03 on Clinical and Microbiological Parameters in Periodontal Patients

The destruction of periodontal tissues during periodontitis is the result of the immune-inflammatory reactions to the bacteria of dental biofilm. Probiotics may reduce dysbiosis by the modification of the dental microbiome, which can influence the immune-inflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical and microbiological parameters, before and after 30 days of application of the dietary supplement containing Lactobacillus salivarius SGL03 or placebo. The study was conducted in 51 patients with stage I or II periodontitis during the maintenance phase of treatment. The clinical parameters and the number of colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria in supragingival plaque were assessed before and after 30 days of the oral once daily administration of the dietary supplement in the form of suspension containing L. salivarius SGL03 or placebo. There were no changes in the PI scores between and within the groups. The value of BOP decreased in both groups. In the study group the significant reduction of the mean pocket depth was revealed (from 2.5 to 2.42, p = 0,027) but without the difference between the groups. There were no significant changes in the number of bacteria within the groups. In the control, but not the study group, positive correlations were observed between the clinical parameters (variables) and the number of bacteria. The use of the dietary supplement containing L. salivarius SGL03 may reduce pocket depth despite the lack of changes in other clinical parameters and the number of bacteria in supragingival plaque.Key words: probiotics, periodontal treatment, Lactobacillus salivarius     

Activity of alkaline phosphatase in rat skeletal muscle localized along the sarcolemma and endothelial cell membranes

Alkaline phosphatase (AP), a membrane-associated glycoprotein which enhances the hydrolysis of monophosphate esters at alkaline pH, is widely distributed in animal tissues. AP activity is increased in a variety of muscle disorders, i.e., myopathies and denervation. Established histochemical methods at the light microscopy level failed to demonstrate AP in skeletal muscles. In the present study we applied the Gomori lead nitrate method for ultrastructural examination of AP in rat gastrocnemius muscles and showed that the enzyme was linked to the sarcolemma of the striated muscle and to the membranes of endothelial cells in adjacent capillaries. In comparison with ATPase activity, AP activity was inhibited by both levamisole and a pH of 7.2, but not by ouabain. Hence, it appears that in skeletal muscles AP is active at a high pH and is bound to cell membranes.