title: Temperature elevation regulates iron protoporphyrin IX and hemoglobin binding by Porphyromonas gingivalis.
abstract: Porphyromonas gingivalis, an obligate anerobe with a growth requirement for iron protoporphyrin IX (FePPIX), is exposed to increased temperatures in the inflamed periodontal pocket. In this study, P. gingivalis was grown in a chemostat at 37 degrees C (control), 39 degrees C, and 41 degrees C, and examined for hemagglutinating (HA) activity, hemoglobin binding and degrading activity, and iron protoporphyrin IX binding. HA activity decreased in cells as the growth temperature increased. Binding of mu-oxo bishaem (dimeric haem), and Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-monomeric forms was increased in 39 degrees C-grown cells but decreased in 41 degrees C-grown cells compared with controls. Cellular hemoglobin binding and degradation decreased with increased growth temperature. The decrease in cellular hemagglutination and hemoglobin degradation occurring with increased growth temperature would limit the potential overproduction of toxic monomeric haem molecules. The increased binding of mu-oxo bishaem and monomeric forms of FePPIX at 39 degrees C may reflect a defense strategy against reactive oxidants and a mechanism of dampening down the inflammatory response to maintain an ecological balance.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Oral Biology, Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, The Edwards Building, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GN, UK. josmall@liverpool.ac.uk
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Smalley
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Birss
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Percival
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D016966:Porphyromonas gingivalis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D011524:Protoporphyrins; C028025:protoporphyrin IX; D007501:Iron