The antibacterial effects of vitamin D3 against mutans streptococci: an in vitro study

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of the cholecalciferol vitamin D 3 against Streptococcus sobrinus (Strep. sobrinus) and Streptococcus mutans (Strep. mutans) bacteria in vitro that is considered the main causative bacteria in dental caries development. Materials and Methods The antimicrobial effects of vitamin D3 were evaluated against Strep. sobrinus and Strep mutans using the agar disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of vitamin D 3 were determined using a microdilution method following the guidelines by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphological changes of bacterial cells following exposure to vitamin D 3. Results Strep. sobrinus was more sensitive to vitamin D 3 compared to Strep. mutans bacteria. The MIC values of vitamin D 3 against Strep. sobrinus and Strep. mutans were 60 µg/ mL and 250 µg/mL respectively whereas the MBC values were 120 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, significant changes in the bacterial morphology were observed in treated bacterial cells with vitamin D 3 as compared to the untreated control bacteria using SEM. Conclusion These findings suggested that vitamin D 3 has excellent antimicrobial effects against Strep. sobrinus and Strep. mutans and may be considered as a promising compound in the prevention of dental caries in the future. Further research is recommended to elucidate the mechanism of vitamin D 3 on these bacteria.

The antimicrobial effect of different vitamin D compounds on Streptococcus mutans and their impact on glycosyltransferase expression

“…The MBC values obtained for both compounds in this study were 166 µg/ml and 83 µg/ml for Doxercalciferol and Cholecalciferol respectively. This contrasts with Almoudi et al [ 31 ], who reported the MBC for Cholecalciferol of 500 µg/ml. Several factors such as water solubility and polarity, which are influenced by preparation methods, may impact the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) readings [ 35 , 36 ]).…”

“…Recently, Cholecalciferol (D3) was shown to be effective against S. mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus . Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis reported that both microorganisms presented morphological changes following the application of D3 [ 31 ]. Vitamin D compounds may be promising for the prevention of carious lesions.…”

Can vitamins improve periodontal wound healing/regeneration?

“…230 An imbalance in vitamin D-mediated functions due to its relative deficiency could further put the body at an increased risk of infection. 232,233 Aggressive forms of periodontitis were found to be associated with high serum 25(OH)D3 levels and its binding protein.…”

“…Furthermore, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 (TREM‐1), a pivotal amplifier of the innate immune response in macrophages, was upregulated 16 folds, and the activation on the gingival epithelial cells increased their IL‐8 mRNA levels, with antimicrobial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans 230 . An imbalance in vitamin D‐mediated functions due to its relative deficiency could further put the body at an increased risk of infection 232,233 . Aggressive forms of periodontitis were found to be associated with high serum 25(OH)D3 levels and its binding protein.…”

The relationship between vitamin D and calcium serum levels with dental caries in 6-12 years old children

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Qatari people, 18.75% of 5-12 years old American children, and 49.9% of 6-11 years old Canadian children suffered from vitamin D deficiency. This difference can be related to the difference in the age of samples, eating habits, oral health, and methods used for caries prevention(10)(11)(12).…”