Correlation of periodontitis with hepatic and intestinal inflammation and glycemic control, and effects of bioconverted <i>Artemisia herba-alba</i> by <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> SMFM2016-RK

Periodontitis has been linked to systemic inflammation, however research on its role in causing systemic diseases remains limited. Recent studies explore probiotics for microbiome modulation and enhancing natural compound bioavailability. This study investigated periodontitis-related systemic disease mechanisms, and evaluated the mitigation effects of bioconversion product using <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> SMFM2016-RK and <i>Artemisia herba-alba</i> extracts. Four types of bioconverted milk [BM1 (<i>L. plantarum</i> SMFM2016-RK), BM2 (BM1 + <i>A. herba-alba</i> ethanol extract), BM3 (BM1 + <i>A. herba-alba</i> hot-water extract), and BM4 (BM1+ both <i>A. herba-alba</i> extracts)] were studied in a periodontitis-induced rat model. Rats were divided into six groups: normal control, skim milk with ligature, and four BM groups with ligature. Periodontitis induction elevated trabecular resorption (0.325 ± 0.057 mm³) and histopathological symptoms. Serum ALT (55.6 ± 6.6 U/L), glucose (261.7 ± 64.3 mg/dL), insulin (1.90 ± 0.87 ng/mL), inflammation in the liver and colon, and gluconeogenesis-related enzyme expression increased. Periodontitis-induced rats showed gut dysbiosis, with decreased <i>Lactobacillaceae</i> level and increased <i>Oscillospiraceae</i> level. BM3 administration significantly reduced the serum glucose (190.9 ± 27.8 mg/dL), ALT (40.5 ± 5.0 U/L), inflammation, and gluconeogenesis-related enzymes, while increasing tight junction proteins expression and phylum Actinobacteria levels in the gut microbiome. The findings highlight the systemic impact of periodontitis on inflammation, glycemic control, and gut microbiome balance. BM3 effectively alleviated these effects suggesting therapeutic potential.