Antifungal effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG against oral candidiasis in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of oral candidiasis by impairing immunity and enhancing Candida virulence. Although Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) has antifungal potential, its effect in diabetes remains unclear. This study evaluated the efficacy of LGG against C. albicans and C. tropicalis in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fungal suspension (1×107 CFU/mL) was applied to the tongue for three days in the controls and experimental groups of male alloxan-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. Then, LGG (0.3 mL of 1×108 CFU/mL) was administered for 28 days in the experimental groups. Weekly oral swabs were analyzed, and blood and tongue tissues were evaluated using biochemical, histopathological, and molecular methods (TLR2, TLR4, and Msp1/p75). RESULTS: Diabetic rats showed weight loss and increased oral Candida growth. LGG reduced C. albicans and C. tropicalis counts and stabilized body weight. Haematological and biochemical parameters improved with probiotic treatment. Histopathological examination showed reduced inflammation, and molecular analyses indicated modulation of Msp1/p75 and TLR2/TLR4. Overall, LGG provided antifungal and immunomodulatory benefits in diabetic rats with oral candidiasis. CONCLUSION: This study assessed the efficacy of LGG against C. albicans and C. tropicalis in diabetic rats. Administration of LGG reduced Candida colonization and maintained normal physiological parameters. These results suggest that LGG has potential as a safe complementary antifungal therapy.