330 The use of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase for oral health

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) are known as host defense factors in milk and saliva. LF has antibacterial and biofilm-inhibitory effects against periodontopathic bacteria. LPO catalyzes the formation of hypothiocyanite and exhibits bactericidal activity within a short time. Our research group developed LF- and LPO-containing powders, and examined their applications for oral hygiene. In this presentation, we review the clinical efficacies of LF- and LPO-containing tablets on oral malodor and oral microbiota in humans. We performed a randomized clinical trial to assess the effects of the single ingestion of LF- and LPO-containing tablets on malodor. The main components causing oral malodor are volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Subjects with oral malodor ingested a test or placebo tablet in two crossover phases. The concentrations of total VSCs at 10 min after ingestion were significantly lower in the test group than in the placebo group. The effects of LF- and LPO-containing tablets on oral microbiota were also investigated. Elderly subjects ingested test or placebo tablets for 8 weeks. The test group exhibited a significant reduction in Porphyromonas gingivalis compared with the placebo group. Microbiota analysis using next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes revealed that the LF- and LPO-containing tablets suppressed the relative abundance of periodontal bacteria, but not that of indigenous bacteria such as Streptococcus. Another trial suggested that the regular intake of LF- and LPO-containing tablets can improve gingival inflammation and oral health-related quality of life in healthy adults. Our findings suggest the potential of LF- and LPO-containing tablets as a daily treatment to maintain good oral health and prevent progression to periodontitis. We consider these effects of LF and LPO to also be applicable to pet food for oral health.