Utilization of Rhizosphere Earthworm Extracts to Support the Immune System

Abstract

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition caused by periodontal bacteria that are recognized by Toll-like receptors on neutrophils, macrophages, and other immune cells. As a result of this interaction, immune cells produce inflammatory molecules like cytokines and chemokines. In addition to the pathogenic effects of periodontitis, dysregulation of neutrophil activity can occur. The neutrophil acts as a double-edged sword in periodontitis, mobilizing defence mediators and tissue repair mechanisms while also causing further tissue damage. The goal of this study was to determine how Lumbricus luberus worm extract (EEW) affected the number of neutrophil cells in rats with periodontitis. A post-test design was used. Five Wistar rats, each infected with P. gingivalis, were divided into groups: a control group (no earthworm extract), an oral EEW (200 mg/kg/body weight) group, and a topical EEW gel group (20%). The number of neutrophil cells was measured on days 3, 7, 14, and 21. The study was carried out at the Udayana University Analytical Laboratory and the Veterinary Medicine Laboratory. The differences between control, oral, and topical Lumbricus rubellus extract administration on days 3 and 7 were significant (p < 0.05). On days 14 and 21, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the control vs. oral administration groups and between the control vs. earthworm extract gel groups. However, on days 14 and 21, there was no significant difference between the oral administration and L. rubellus gel extract groups (p > 0.05). The number of neutrophils was significantly lower following the oral administration of L. rubellus earthworm extracts.
 Keywords: Wistar periodontitis rats, Lumbricus rubellus earthworm extract, neutrophil