title: Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei effect on cariogenic bacterial flora.
abstract: Lactobacillus paracasei has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of many pathogenic microbes such as Streptococcus mutans, in vitro. However, its clinical application remains unclear. Here, we examined whether a novel probiotic L. paracasei GMNL-33 may reduce the caries-associated salivary microbial counts in healthy adults. Seventy-eight subjects (aged 20 to 26) had completed this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. A probiotic/test (n = 42) and a control group (n = 36) took a L. paracasei GMNL-33 and a placebo oral tablet three times per day for 2 weeks, respectively. Bacterial counts of salivary S. mutans, lactobacilli, and salivary buffer capacity were measured with chair-side kits at the beginning (T1), the completion (T2) of medication, and 2 weeks after medication (T3). The results did not show differences in the counts of S. mutans and lactobacilli between probiotic and control groups at T1, T2, and T3. Nevertheless, within the probiotic group, an interesting probiotic effect was noticed. Between T1 and T2, no inhibitory effect against S. mutans was observed. However, a significant count reduction in the salivary S. mutans was detected between T2 and T3 (p = 0.016). Thus, a 2-week period of medication via oral administration route may be needed for L. paracasei GMNL-33 to be effective in the probiotic action.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Linkou), No. 5, Fusing St., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Li-Chuan
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Chuang
authors.forename: Chiung-Shing
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Li-Wei
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Ou-Yang
authors.forename: Shiao-Yu
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058491:Bacterial Load; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002021:Buffers; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D010919:Placebos