The effect of probiotic treatment on obesity-related changes in the periodontium of obese rats

Obesity is a significant global health concern associated with various systemic diseases, including periodontitis. Probiotics have shown promising outcomes as an adjunctive therapy in both clinical and microbiological parameters; however, their impact on obesity-induced periodontal alterations remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical changes in soft periodontal tissues of obese rats and assess the potential protective effects of probiotic supplementation. Methods. A total of 46 rats were divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) obesity, and (3) obesity with probiotic treatment. Obesity was induced via neonatal monosodium glutamate administration, and probiotic supplementation was provided for three months. Biochemical analyses of periodontal tissues included oxidative stress markers, enzymatic activity, and inflammatory mediators. The results showed that obesity significantly decreased markers of oxidative stress and reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Probiotic treatment effectively normalized BMI, reduced oxidative damage, and restored enzymatic balance in periodontal tissues. Additionally, probiotic supplementation modulated nitric oxide synthase activity, suggesting a potential regulatory effect on inflammatory and vascular responses. Conclusion. This study highlights the detrimental effects of obesity on periodontal health and suggests that probiotics may serve as a protective intervention against obesity-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage.