TNF-α Expression and Plasma Cell and Macrophage Numbers in Traumatic Ulcers in a Rat Model Treated by Topical or Systemic Probiotic L. casei Shirota

Introduction: Live microorganisms, named probiotics, can improve overall physical well-being, particularly the oral cavity’s health. L. casei Shirota, a popular probiotic, can influence the immune response by increasing the number of macrophages and plasma cells that play a role in traumatic ulcer healing. Aims: To determine the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the varied number of plasma cells and macrophages on a traumatic ulcer animal model treated with topical or systemic administration of a probiotic L. casei Shirota. Material and Methods: Thirty-six healthy, 2–3-month-old male Rattus norvegicus weighing 175–250 gram, were designed into control and topical and systemic administration probiotic groups. The control group was treated with Aquadest 20 uL/20 gr, while topical probiotic and systemic administration probiotic groups were treated with 10,9x10⁷ cells/kg, respectively. A heated round burnisher tip was used to traumatize the inferior incisive fornix labial area. After 3 or 7 days, the animal models were terminated. Immunohistochemical examination, Hematoxylin eosin staining, and statistical analysis were performed to analyze the expression of TNF-α and the number of plasma cells and macrophages. Results: The Mann-Whitney and Tukey HSD tests indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the results for the three groups. It was observed that topical administration provides more remarkable results than systemic administration for the expression of TNF-α, the number of plasma cells, and the number of macrophages. Conclusion: Topical administration of L. casei Shirota demonstrates better results than systemic administration for healing traumatic ulcers.