The lipoteichoic acid of Lactobacillus plantarum effect on lymphocyte, VEGF-A and TGF-β expression in male rat dental pulp.

Objective: Lipoteichoic acid from Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is a significant virulence factor that exacerbates pulp inflammation. Lipoteichoic acid plays a role in modulating the inflammatory to proliferative phase transition is crucial in determining the outcome of pulp healing or necrosis. This study explores the role of L. plantarum on lymphocytes and the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in a male rat model of acute dental pulp injury.

Design: The acute dental pulp model was created in the upper molar of Rattus novergicus using a round bur. Then, the dental pulp was exposed to 10 µg/ml of the lipoteichoic acid of L. plantarum and filled with a temporary filling. In the next 24, 48, and 72 h, each animal was decapitated, and the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF-A in dental pulp was analyzed using indirect immunohistochemistry, while the lymphocytes analyzed using hematoxyline-eosin staining.

Result: Lipoteichoic acid of L. plantarum induced acute dental pulp by increasing the lymphocyte number after 48 and 72 h of exposure (p < 0.05). While, inhibiting TGF-β1 expression after 48 and 72 h of exposure (p < 0.05), and VEGF-A was inhibiting after 72 h of exposure (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Exposure to lipoteichoic acid from L. plantarum significantly accelerates the inflammatory response in the dental pulp. However, this accelerated inflammation disrupts the proliferative phase, potentially leading to more extensive damage to the dental pulp.