Impact of Lactobacillus plantarum on expression of biofilm-related genes in Streptococcus mutans isolated from patients of dental caries

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans causes caries and decay. During congestion sucrose, S. mutans digests insoluble glucans leading to tooth plaque or oral biofilm which starts the caries process. GtfB and LuxS genes affect growth and development of biofilm in S.mutans. Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic can influence the formation of Streptococcus mutansbiofilm. The main aim of this investigation is to discover what effect does Lactobacillus plantarum supernatant have on virulence genes expression and Streptococcus mutans growth.PCR (quantitative real-time)and microtiter plate assay were used for evaluating antibacterial properties of Lactobacillus plantarum”spent culture supernatant (SCS). According to data, Lactobacillus plantarum supernatant significantly suppressed the growth of S. mutans (P < 0.01). Compared with control group, treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum SCS caused a marked reduction (P < 0.01) in both planktonic and biofilm forms expression levels of luxS, gtfB, gtfC and gtfD genes in Streptococcus mutans. This research suggests that Lactobacillus plantarum may inhibit the growth and virulence factors of streptococcus mutans strains and Probiotics containing Lactobacillus plantarum may be useful in lowering dental caries risk and maybe promoting better oral health.