Reduction of the risk of periodontal disease in people with disabilities using probiotics (L8020)

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K17285
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Oda Yuki 広島大学, 病院(歯), 専門研究員 (40641949)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: プロバイオティクス / 歯周病 / L8020 / ゲノム解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, individuals with intellectual disabilities continuously took probiotics with Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain KO3 (L8020) for a certain period. L8020 has an antibacterial effect against periodontal disease-causing bacteria. A double-blind placebo control clinical study was conducted to clarify the clinical efficacy. In addition, changes in oral flora were investigated using RT-PCR and metagenomic analysis and compared with clinical effects. These results revealed that continuous intake of L8020 bacteria suppressed the growth of T. forsythia which is the main pathogen of periodontal disease. The results of this research were presented at an academic conference and then summarized in two English papers.

Free Research Field

障害者歯科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果より、L8020菌を用いたプロバイオティクスの90日間継続摂取により、障害者の歯周病の臨床指標であるPMAは有意に減少し、さらには代表的な歯周病原因菌のT. forsythiaの増殖が抑制されることが明らかになった。L8020菌を用いたプロバイオティクスの継続摂取により知的障害者の歯周病発症リスクが軽減される可能性が示唆された。L8020菌を用いた食品が、知的障害者の入所施設やグループホーム等で、継続的な広く摂取されるようになれば、知的障害者の歯周病の発症や進行に対し抑制効果が発揮され、QOLの向上に寄与することができる。