Effects of a high-molecular-weight cranberry fraction on growth, biofilm formation and adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis.
BACKGROUND
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major aetiological agent of periodontitis, a destructive disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues. Recent reports have indicated that high-molecular-weight molecules from cranberry juice concentrate can prevent the attachment of human pathogens to host tissues.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of non-dialysable material (NDM) prepared from cranberry juice concentrate on growth, biofilm formation and adherence properties of P. gingivalis.


METHODS
The effect of cranberry NDM on biofilm formation was studied using a polystyrene microplate assay and by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of cranberry NDM on the attachment properties of P. gingivalis was evaluated by a microplate assay in which mammalian proteins were immobilized into wells.


RESULTS
Our results indicated that cranberry NDM is a potent inhibitor of biofilm formation by P. gingivalis. However, it has no effect on growth and viability of bacteria. Cranberry NDM also prevented significantly the attachment of P. gingivalis to surfaces coated with type I collagen, fibrinogen or human serum.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that cranberry constituents may have a beneficial effect for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis by reducing the capacity of P. gingivalis to colonize periodontal sites.
Labrecque
Julie
J
Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, G1K 7P4.
Bodet
Charles
C
Chandad
Fatiha
F
Grenier
Daniel
D
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008853:Microscopy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016966:Porphyromonas gingivalis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D029799:Vaccinium macrocarpon / Q000737:chemistry*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001798:Blood Proteins; D024042:Collagen Type I; D010936:Plant Extracts; D005340:Fibrinogen