Evaluation of l-arginine supplement on the growth rate, biofilm formation, and antibiotic susceptibility in Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Introduction Bacteria associated with dental caries have a high ability to produce organic acids from dietary carbohydrates during growth and metabolism under acidic conditions. In contrast, many symbiotic bacteria produce ammonia through the arginine deiminase (ADS) system, which modulates the pH of the oral cavity. l-Arginine metabolism by ADS is a significant inhibitor in the progression of tooth decay. This study aimed to investigate the effect of l-arginine on growth, biofilm formation, and antibiotic susceptibility in Streptococcus mutans. Methods In this study, the effect of l-arginine in different concentrations on the growth rate, antibiotic susceptibility, and inhibition of biofilm formation in S. mutans was investigated. Results The bacterial exponential growth rate was enhanced by 100 μM l-arginine (P > 0.05). The growth inhibition zone diameter of CAZ, CTR, AMP, and AMC-Clav antibiotics was reduced after 24 h of exposure in the presence of various concentrations of l-arginine specifically at 100 μM. l-Arginine also enhanced biofilm development at 5 and 10 μM concentrations, but reduced it at 50 and 100 μM concentrations. Conclusion According to the results of the present study, optimization of l-arginine concentration and its use as an adjunctive therapy or in combination with mouthwash or varnish is recommended to prevent oral caries.

Transcriptomic analysis of cell envelope inhibition by prodigiosin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

“…The genes arcC and argF involved in the biosynthesis of arginine were downregulated when the biofilm formation of MRSA USA300 was significantly reduced by prodigiosin. Samaneh et al (2022) reported that L-arginine supplementation enhanced biofilm formation in S. mutans at concentrations of 5 and 10 μM. Similarly, Liu et al (2022) found that arginine could promote biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa .…”

Characterizing arginine, ornithine, and putrescine pathways in enteric pathobionts

“…However, we did observe significant biofilm production in the closely related species S. epidermidis in the presence of several concentrations of ornithine. Arginine has also been shown to enhance biofilm production in Streptococcus mutans ( Vaziriamjad et al, 2022 ) . We did not observe enhancement of biofilm in our pathobiont of interest S. agalactiae in response to supplemented arginine, but we did observe an increase in biofilm in K. pneumonia e at the lowest concentration of arginine.…”

Dietary Habits and Oral Hygiene as Determinants of the Incidence and Intensity of Dental Caries—A Pilot Study

“…Enamel demineralisation occurs when the pH of plaque drops to around 5.5. Acidic products such as citrus fruits, fermented or pickled vegetables, vinegar, vinaigrette-type dressing, and sweetened beverages, which include malic, citric, carbonic, and phosphoric acid as acidity regulators, and most of which have a pH value of less than 4, are responsible for lowering the pH in the mouth [11]. Another predisposing factor for the development of a carious cavity are foods with a sticky or mushy texture.…”