Cranberry high molecular weight constituents promote Streptococcus sobrinus desorption from artificial biofilm

Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Tannins in Management of Oral Infectious Diseases-A Review

Medicinal plants are rich sources of valuable molecules with various profitable biological effects, including antimicrobial activity. The advantages of herbal products are their effectiveness, relative safety based on research or extended traditional use, and accessibility without prescription. Extensive and irrational usage of antibiotics since their discovery in 1928 has led to the increasing expiration of their effectiveness due to antibacterial resistance. Now, medical research is facing a big and challenging mission to find effective and safe antimicrobial therapies to replace inactive drugs. Over the years, one of the research fields that remained the most available is the area of natural products: medicinal plants and their metabolites, which could serve as active substances to fight against microbes or be considered as models in drug design. This review presents selected flavonoids (such as apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, kurarinone, and morin) and tannins (including oligomeric proanthocyanidins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, catechins, and epigallocatechin gallate), but also medicinal plants rich in these compounds as potential therapeutic agents in oral infectious diseases based on traditional usages such as Agrimonia eupatoria L., Hamamelis virginiana L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Quercus robur L., Rosa gallica L., Rubus idaeus L., or Potentilla erecta (L.). Some of the presented compounds and extracts are already successfully used to maintain oral health, as the main or additive ingredient of toothpastes or mouthwashes. Others are promising for further research or future applications.

Deacidification of Cranberry Juice Reduces Its Antibacterial Properties against Oral Streptococci but Preserves Barrier Function and Attenuates the Inflammatory Response of Oral Epithelial Cells

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) may be a potent natural adjuvant for the prevention of oral diseases due to its anti-adherence, anti-cariogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the high titrable acidity of cranberry juice (CJ) has been reported to cause gastrointestinal discomfort, leading consumers to restrict their intake of this beverage. Electrodialysis with a bipolar membrane (EDBM) can reduce the organic acid content of CJ while retaining the flavonoids associated with potential health benefits. This study aimed to assess how the deacidification of CJ by EDBM impacts the antibacterial properties of the beverage against cariogenic (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus) and commensal (Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius) streptococci, and how it affects oral epithelial barrier function and inflammatory response in an in vitro model. The removal of organic acids from CJ (deacidification rate ≥42%) reduced the bactericidal activity of the beverage against planktonic S. mutans and S. gordonii after a 15-min exposure, whereas only the viability of S. gordonii was significantly impacted by CJ deacidification rate when the bacteria were embedded in a biofilm. Moreover, conditioning saliva-coated hydroxyapatite with undiluted CJ samples significantly lowered the adherence of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and S. oralis. With respect to epithelial barrier function, exposure to CJ deacidified at a rate of ≥19% maintained the integrity of a keratinocyte monolayer over the course of 24 h compared to raw CJ, as assessed by the determination of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran paracellular transport. These results can be in part attributed to the inability of the deacidified CJ to disrupt two tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 and occludin, following exposure, unlike raw CJ. Deacidification of CJ impacted the secretion of IL-6, but not of IL-8, by oral epithelial cells. In conclusion, deacidification of CJ appears to provide benefits with respect to the maintenance of oral health.

New Evidences of Antibacterial Effects of Cranberry Against Periodontal Pathogens

The worrying rise in antibiotic resistances emphasizes the need to seek new approaches for treating and preventing periodontal diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of cranberry in a validated in vitro biofilm model. After chemical characterization of a selected phenolic-rich cranberry extract, its values for minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were calculated for the six bacteria forming the biofilm (Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans). Antibacterial activity of the cranberry extract in the formed biofilm was evaluated by assessing the reduction in bacteria viability, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) combined with propidium monoazide (PMA), and by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and anti-biofilm activity by studying the inhibition of the incorporation of different bacteria species in biofilms formed in the presence of the cranberry extract, using qPCR and CLSM. In planktonic state, bacteria viability was significantly reduced by cranberry (p < 0.05). When growing in biofilms, a significant effect was observed against initial and early colonizers (S. oralis (p ≤ 0.017), A. naeslundii (p = 0.006) and V. parvula (p = 0.010)) after 30 or 60 s of exposure, while no significant effects were detected against periodontal pathogens (F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis or A. actinomycetemcomitans (p > 0.05)). Conversely, cranberry significantly (p < 0.001 in all cases) interfered with the incorporation of five of the six bacteria species during the development of 6 h-biofilms, including P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and F. nucleatum. It was concluded that cranberry had a moderate antibacterial effect against periodontal pathogens in biofilms, but relevant anti-biofilm properties, by affecting bacteria adhesion in the first 6 h of development of biofilms.

Cranberry Polyphenols: Natural Weapons against Dental Caries

Bioactive polyphenol components of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are known to have virulence attenuating effects against several cariogenic virulence properties responsible for dental caries pathogenesis. In particular, cranberry A-type proanthocyanidins and flavonols have demonstrated potent inhibitory effects against cariogenic virulence targets such as bacterial acidogenicity, aciduricity, glucan synthesis, and hydrophobicity. Cranberry phenols have the ability to disrupt these cariogenic virulence properties without being bactericidal, a key quality essential for retaining the benefits of the symbiotic resident oral microbiome and preventing the emergence of resistant microbes. This review discusses the cariostatic mechanisms of specific cranberry phytochemicals and their potential use as therapeutic agents against cariogenic bacteria in the prevention and control of dental caries.

A Sustained-Release Membrane of Thiazolidinedione-8: Effect on Formation of a Candida/Bacteria Mixed Biofilm on Hydroxyapatite in a Continuous Flow Model

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been found to act as effective quorum sensing quenchers, capable of preventing biofilm formation. Our previous studies demonstrated a profound antibiofilm effect of the TZD derivative thiazolidinedione-8 (S-8), either in solution or incorporated into a sustained-release membrane (SRM-S-8) under batch conditions. In the present study, we used a constant depth film fermenter model in order to investigate the impact of SRM-S-8 on mixed C. albicans-S. mutans biofilm development, under flow conditions. We found that essential parameters of cospecies biofilm maintenance and maturation, such as metabolic activity, biofilm thickness, roughness, extracellular polysaccharides production, and morphology of both pathogens, were altered by SRM-S-8 in the flow system. We propose that prolonged and sustained release of S-8 in a flow-through system allows better penetration of the active agent to deeper layers of the mixed biofilm, thereby increasing its activity against both pathogens. In conclusion, the use of a locally applied sustained-release drug delivery system of S-8 can affect the dental polymicrobial biofilm, resulting in clinical improvements and a better patient compliance.

Food Allergy and Food Poisoning

Taken into account data from which is considered a product not safe, estimate the safe level of a contaminant on food, for example, always have many unavoidable uncertainties. It cannot be overemphasized enough, that this also happens as in any other human activity. In most cases, we hope, to define as clearly as possible the eventual risk associated with particular conditions of exposure to a given substance in food. There are numerous toxic compounds that reside naturally in certain foods that unable these to be consumed above certain limits or even are fully prohibited in some other countries. Chapter starts with a clear explanation of differences and relationships between food allergy and food poisoning, continued with main allergens in food and main toxics. Finally, authors summarize different origins of toxins and allergens (natural from foods, from additives, pollutants and food processing).

Food Allergy and Food Poisoning

Taken into account data from which is considered a product not safe, estimate the safe level of a contaminant on food, for example, always have many unavoidable uncertainties. It cannot be overemphasized enough, that this also happens as in any other human activity. In most cases, we hope, to define as clearly as possible the eventual risk associated with particular conditions of exposure to a given substance in food. There are numerous toxic compounds that reside naturally in certain foods that unable these to be consumed above certain limits or even are fully prohibited in some other countries. Chapter starts with a clear explanation of differences and relationships between food allergy and food poisoning, continued with main allergens in food and main toxics. Finally, authors summarize different origins of toxins and allergens (natural from foods, from additives, pollutants and food processing).

Anti-inflammatory Activity of a High-molecular-weight Cranberry Fraction on Macrophages Stimulated by Lipopolysaccharides from Periodontopathogens

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting oral tissues. The continuous, high production of cytokines by host cells triggered by periodontopathogens is thought to be responsible for the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Macrophages play a critical role in this host inflammatory response to periodontopathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of non-dialyzable material prepared from cranberry juice concentrate on the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Escherichia coli. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and Regulated on Activation Normal T-cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) production by macrophages treated with the cranberry fraction prior to stimulation by LPS was evaluated by ELISA. Our results clearly indicate that the cranberry fraction was a potent inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses induced by LPS. This suggests that cranberry constituents may offer perspectives for the development of a new therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

Cranberries and Cancer: An Update of Preclinical Studies Evaluating the Cancer Inhibitory Potential of Cranberry and Cranberry Derived Constituents

Cranberries are rich in bioactive constituents reported to influence a variety of health benefits, ranging from improved immune function and decreased infections to reduced cardiovascular disease and more recently cancer inhibition. A review of cranberry research targeting cancer revealed positive effects of cranberries or cranberry derived constituents against 17 different cancers utilizing a variety of in vitro techniques, whereas in vivo studies supported the inhibitory action of cranberries toward cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, bladder, prostate, glioblastoma and lymphoma. Mechanisms of cranberry-linked cancer inhibition include cellular death induction via apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy; reduction of cellular proliferation; alterations in reactive oxygen species; and modification of cytokine and signal transduction pathways. Given the emerging positive preclinical effects of cranberries, future clinical directions targeting cancer or premalignancy in high risk cohorts should be considered.

Adherence Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Strains to HEp-2 Cells by Mannan Oligosaccharides and a High-Molecular-Weight Component of Cranberry Extract

Campylobacter infections are a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and are a major cause of diarrheal disease throughout the world. Colonization and subsequent infection and invasion of Campylobacter require that the bacteria adhere to the surface of host cells. Agents that inhibit adherence could be used prophylactically to reduce Campylobacter carriage and infection. Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) have been used as a feed supplement in livestock animals to improve performance and to replace growth-promoting antibiotics. However, MOS and other nondigestible oligosaccharides may also prevent pathogen colonization by inhibiting adherence in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, plant extracts, including those derived from cranberries, have been shown to have antiadherence activity against pathogens. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of MOS and cranberry fractions to serve as antiadherence agents against strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Adherence experiments were performed using HEp-2 cells. Significant reductions in adherence of C. jejuni 29438, C. jejuni 700819, C. jejuni 3329, and C. coli 43485 were observed in the presence of MOS (up to 40 mg/ml) and with a high-molecular-weight fraction of cranberry extract (up to 3 mg/ml). However, none of the tested materials reduced adherence of C. coli BAA-1061. No additive effect in adherence inhibition was observed for an MOS-cranberry blend. These results suggest that both components, MOS and cranberry, could be used to reduce Campylobacter colonization and carriage in livestock animals and potentially limit human exposure to this pathogen.

Cranberry and recurrent cystitis: more than marketing?

Epidemiologic studies indicate that millions of people suffer from recurrent cystitis, a pathology requiring antibiotic prophylaxis and entailing high social costs. Cranberry is a traditional folk remedy for cystitis and, which, in the form of a variety of products and formulations has over several decades undergone extensive evaluation for the management of urinary tract infections (UTI). The aim of this retrospective study is to summarize and review the most relevant and recent preclinical and clinical studies on cranberries for the treatment of UTIs. The scientific literature selected for this review was identified by searches of Medline via PubMed. A variety of recent experimental evidence has shed light on the mechanism underlying the anti-adhesive properties of proanthrocyanidins, their structure-activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics. Analysis of clinical studies and evaluation of the cranberry efficacy/safety ratio in the prevention of UTIs strongly support the use of cranberry in the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs in young and middle-aged women. However, evidence of its clinical use among other patients remains controversial.

Anthocyanin incorporated dental copolymer: bacterial growth inhibition, mechanical properties, and compound release rates and stability by (1)h NMR

Objective. To evaluate bacterial growth inhibition, mechanical properties, and compound release rate and stability of copolymers incorporated with anthocyanin (ACY; Vaccinium macrocarpon). Methods. Resin samples were prepared (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA at 70/30 mol%) and incorporated with 2 w/w% of either ACY or chlorhexidine (CHX), except for the control group. Samples were individually immersed in a bacterial culture (Streptococcus mutans) for 24 h. Cell viability (n = 3) was assessed by counting the number of colony forming units on replica agar plates. Flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (E) were tested on a universal testing machine (n = 8). Compound release and chemical stability were evaluated by UV spectrophotometry and ¹H NMR (n = 3). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results. Both compounds inhibited S. mutans growth, with CHX being most effective (P < 0.05). Control resin had the lowest FS and E values, followed by ACY and CHX, with statistical difference between control and CHX groups for both mechanical properties (P < 0.05). The 24 h compound release rates were ACY: 1.33 μg/mL and CHX: 1.92 μg/mL. ¹H NMR spectra suggests that both compounds remained stable after being released in water. Conclusion. The present findings indicate that anthocyanins might be used as a natural antibacterial agent in resin based materials.

Inhibition of Streptococcus gordonii metabolic activity in biofilm by cranberry juice high-molecular-weight component

Previous studies demonstrated that a cranberry high-molecular-mass, nondialyzable material (NDM) can inhibit adhesion of numerous species of bacteria and prevents bacterial coaggregation of bacterial pairs. Bacterial coaggregation leads to plaque formation leading to biofilm development on surfaces of oral cavity. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of low concentrations of NDM on Streptococcus gordonii metabolic activity and biofilm formation on restorative dental surfaces. We found that the NDM selectively inhibited metabolic activity of S. gordonii, without affecting bacterial viability. Inhibiting the metabolic activity of bacteria in biofilm may benefit the health of the oral cavity.

Antiaggregation potential of berry fractions against pairs of Streptococcus mutans with Fusobacterium nucleatum or Actinomyces naeslundii

Coaggregation is an interspecies adhesion process, which is essential to the development of dental plaque. This is an in vitro study of the composition of the soluble solids in the berry juice molecular size fractions (<10 kDa, FI; 10-100 kDa, FII; >100 kDa, FIII) derived from apple, bilberry, blackcurrant, cloudberry, crowberry and lingonberry and their ability to inhibit and reverse coaggregation of the pairs of common species in dental plaque: Streptococcus mutans with Fusobacterium nucleatum or Actinomyces naeslundii. Inhibitory and reversal activity was found in the molecular size fractions FII and FIII of bilberry, blackcurrant, crowberry and lingonberry. The active fractions contained higher amounts of polyphenols (5-12% of soluble solids) than those without activity (<2% of soluble solids). Proanthocyanidins dominated in the active lingonberry juice fractions FII and FIII and also small amounts of anthocyanins were detected. Anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonol glycosides were prevalent in FII and FIII fractions of bilberry, blackcurrant and crowberry juices. Comparable amounts of sugars and titratable acids were present in the latter three berry juice fractions of different size. The results indicate that the high molecular size fractions of lingonberry, bilberry, blackcurrant and crowberry juices have antiaggregation potential on common oral bacteria, the potential being associated with their polyphenolic content.

Traditional Medicinal Plant Extracts and Natural Products with Activity against Oral Bacteria: Potential Application in the Prevention and Treatment of Oral Diseases

Oral diseases are major health problems with dental caries and periodontal diseases among the most important preventable global infectious diseases. Oral health influences the general quality of life and poor oral health is linked to chronic conditions and systemic diseases. The association between oral diseases and the oral microbiota is well established. Of the more than 750 species of bacteria that inhabit the oral cavity, a number are implicated in oral diseases. The development of dental caries involves acidogenic and aciduric Gram-positive bacteria (mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and actinomycetes). Periodontal diseases have been linked to anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus, Prevotella and Fusobacterium). Given the incidence of oral disease, increased resistance by bacteria to antibiotics, adverse affects of some antibacterial agents currently used in dentistry and financial considerations in developing countries, there is a need for alternative prevention and treatment options that are safe, effective and economical. While several agents are commercially available, these chemicals can alter oral microbiota and have undesirable side-effects such as vomiting, diarrhea and tooth staining. Hence, the search for alternative products continues and natural phytochemicals isolated from plants used as traditional medicines are considered as good alternatives. In this review, plant extracts or phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of oral pathogens, reduce the development of biofilms and dental plaque, influence the adhesion of bacteria to surfaces and reduce the symptoms of oral diseases will be discussed further. Clinical studies that have investigated the safety and efficacy of such plant-derived medicines will also be described.

Phytochemicals of cranberries and cranberry products: characterization, potential health effects, and processing stability

Emerging evidence is elucidating how non-nutrient phytochemicals underlie the health promotion afforded by fruits and vegetables. This review focuses on Vaccinium macrocarpon, the American cranberry, compiling a comprehensive list of its known phytochemical components, and detailing their prevalence in cranberry fruit and its products. Flavonoids, especially colored anthocyanins, abundant flavonols, and unique proanthocyanidins, have attracted major research attention. Other notable active components include phenolic acids, benzoates, hydroxycinnamic acids, terpenes and organic acids. Health effects of cranberries, cranberry products, and isolated cranberry components in humans and animals, as well as in vitro, are debated. Evidence for protection from several bacterial pathogens, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation is compelling, while neuroprotection and anti-viral activity also have begun to draw new consideration. Emerging bioavailability data is considered and potential molecular mechanisms are evaluated, linking phytochemicals to health effects through their biochemical properties and reactions. Finally, the effects of processing and storage on cranberry phytochemicals is discussed, with a focus on identifying research gaps and novel means to preserve their natural, health-promoting components.

Interference of cranberry constituents in cell-cell signaling system of Vibrio harveyi

Cranberry juice has long been recognized in folk medicine as a therapeutic agent, mainly in urinary track infections. It acts as an antibiofilm agent against various pathogens. Quorum sensing is process where bacteria communicate with each other via signal molecules known as autoinducers. This process is strongly involved in various bacterial pathological and physiological pathways. Various strains of Vibrio harveyi bacteria were incubated with different concentrations of nondialyzable material of cranberry (NDM) with or without addition of exogenous autoinducer. Bioluminescence regulated by the autoinducers was measured in GENios reader. Effect of NDM alone or NDM supplemented with autoinducer on quorum sensing was determined as change in bioluminescence in each treated sample compared to appropriate control in every strain. Using model of V. harveyi, we found an inhibitory effect of cranberry constituents on bacterial signaling system. This effect was reversible, since exogenous autoinducer was able to recover bioluminescence which was decreased by NDM. We hypothesized that cranberry NDM interacts with V. harveyi quorum sensing by competition with autoinducer for binding to autoinducer sensor.

Cranberry and urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the presence of clinical signs and symptoms arising from the genitourinary tract plus the presence of one or more micro-organisms in the urine exceeding a threshold value for significance (ranges from 102 to 103 colony-forming units/mL). Infections are localized to the bladder (cystitis), renal parenchyma (pyelonephritis) or prostate (acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis). Single UTI episodes are very common, especially in adult women where there is a 50-fold predominance compared with adult men. In addition, recurrent UTIs are also common, occurring in up to one-third of women after first-episode UTIs. Recurrences requiring intervention are usually defined as two or more episodes over 6 months or three or more episodes over 1 year (this definition applies only to young women with acute uncomplicated UTIs). A cornerstone of prevention of UTI recurrence has been the use of low-dose once-daily or post-coital antimicrobials; however, much interest has surrounded non-antimicrobial-based approaches undergoing investigation such as use of probiotics, vaccines, oligosaccharide inhibitors of bacterial adherence and colonization, and bacterial interference with immunoreactive extracts of Escherichia coli. Local (intravaginal) estrogen therapy has had mixed results to date. Cranberry products in a variety of formulations have also undergone extensive evaluation over several decades in the management of UTIs. At present, there is no evidence that cranberry can be used to treat UTIs. Hence, the focus has been on its use as a preventative strategy. Cranberry has been effective in vitro and in vivo in animals for the prevention of UTI. Cranberry appears to work by inhibiting the adhesion of type I and P-fimbriated uropathogens (e.g. uropathogenic E. coli) to the uroepithelium, thus impairing colonization and subsequent infection. The isolation of the component(s) of cranberry with this activity has been a daunting task, considering the hundreds of compounds found in the fruit and its juice derivatives. Reasonable evidence suggests that the anthocyanidin/proanthocyanidin moieties are potent antiadhesion compounds. However, problems still exist with standardization of cranberry products, which makes it extremely difficult to compare products or extrapolate results. Unfortunately, most clinical trials have had design deficiencies and none have evaluated specific key cranberry-derived compounds considered likely to be active moieties (e.g. proanthocyanidins). In general, the preventive efficacy of cranberry has been variable and modest at best. Meta-analyses have established that recurrence rates over 1 year are reduced approximately 35% in young to middle-aged women. The efficacy of cranberry in other groups (i.e. elderly, paediatric patients, those with neurogenic bladder, those with chronic indwelling urinary catheters) is questionable. Withdrawal rates have been quite high (up to 55%), suggesting that these products may not be acceptable over long periods. Adverse events include gastrointestinal intolerance, weight gain (due to the excessive calorie load) and drug-cranberry interactions (due to the inhibitory effect of flavonoids on cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism). The findings of the Cochrane Collaboration support the potential use of cranberry products in the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs in young and middle-aged women. However, in light of the heterogeneity of clinical study designs and the lack of consensus regarding the dosage regimen and formulation to use, cranberry products cannot be recommended for the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs at this time.

Cranberry juice constituents impair lymphoma growth and augment the generation of antilymphoma antibodies in syngeneic mice

In addition to its nutritional value, cranberry juice has been effective in treating urinary tract infections. Various reports have also demonstrated its potential for inhibiting in vitro growth of transformed cell lines. Here we show that a fraction [nondialyzable material (NDM) of a molecular weight range 12,000-30,000 (NDM 12-30K)] derived from cranberry juice impairs in vitro growth and invasion through extracellular matrix of Rev-2-T-6 murine lymphoma cells. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of this fraction at nontoxic doses both inhibits the growth of Rev-2-T-6 tumors in vivo and enhances the generation of antilymphoma antibodies. These findings demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of cranberry components against malignant lymphoma in immune competent hosts.

Oleic acid: An efficient inhibitor of glucosyltransferase

Among the extracts from 420 kinds of herbs, Prunus salicina, showing the highest glucosyltransferase inhibition activity, was purified and designated GTI-0163. Structural determination of GTI-0163 revealed it to be an oleic acid-based unsaturated fatty acid. GTI-0163 was an uncompetitive inhibitor of GTase. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid showed a significantly higher GTase inhibitory activity than the saturated fatty acids or the ester form of oleic acid. These results strongly suggested that both the number of double bonds and the existence of free carboxyl groups of fatty acids play an important role in GTase inhibitory activity.

Preventing biofilm formation: promoting cell separation with terpenes

Both carveol and carvone were effective in dispersing Rhodococcus erythropolis cells that were being stimulated to aggregate by the presence of organic solvents. The two terpenes influenced the fatty acid composition of the cell membrane, decreasing the percentage of fatty acids with more than 16 carbon atoms, and thus cell hydrophobicity, and also the degree of saturation of the fatty acids. In the presence of 250 micromol of terpene, the volume of biofilm was reduced by one third in comparison with biofilms in the absence of terpenes. The percentage of aggregated cells was also found to depend on carvone concentration during the bioconversion of carveol to carvone, in a membrane reactor. The extent of cell aggregation decreased from 90% to 10% when carvone concentration reached ca. 48 mM in the organic phase.

Effect of cranberry juice on eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients treated with antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor

Cranberry constituents are known to exert anti-adhesion activity on H. pylori in vitro. To determine their possible additive effect to triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (OAC), a double-blind randomized clinical study was carried out. One-hundred-seventy-seven patients with H. pylori infection treated with OAC for 1 week were randomly allocated to receive 250 mL of either cranberry juice (cranberry-OAC, n = 89) or placebo beverage (placebo-OAC, n = 88) twice daily and only cranberry juice or placebo beverage for the next 2 weeks. Treatment outcome was determined with the(13)C urea breath test ((13)C-UBT). An additional control group consisted of patients referred to the same center during the same period who were treated with OAC alone for 1 week (non-placebo-OAC, n = 712). Overall, the rate of H. pylori eradication ((13)C-UBT < 3.5) was 82.5%, with no statistically significant difference among the three arms. Analysis by gender revealed that for female subjects, the eradication rate was higher in the cranberry-OAC arm (n = 42, 95.2%) than in the placebo-OAC arm (n = 53, 86.8%) and significantly higher than in the non-placebo-OAC group (n = 425, 80%; p = 0.03). For males, the rate was nonsignificantly lower in the cranberry-OAC arm (n = 35, 73.9%) than in the placebo-OAC arm (n = 45, 80.0%) and non-placebo-OAC group (n = 287, 85.0%). These results suggest that the addition of cranberry to triple therapy improves the rate of H. pylori eradication in females.

Cranberry phytochemicals: Isolation, structure elucidation, and their antiproliferative and antioxidant activities

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of cranberries was used to determine the chemical identity of bioactive constituents. Twenty compounds were isolated using gradient solvent fractionation, silica gel and ODS columns, and preparative RP-HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified using HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Antiproliferative activities of isolated compounds against HepG2 human liver cancer and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were evaluated. Among the compounds isolated, ursolic acid, quercetin, and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside showed potent antiproliferative activities against HepG2 cell growth, with EC50 values of 87.4 +/- 2.7, 40.9 +/- 1.1, and 49.2 +/- 4.9 microM, respectively. Ursolic acid, quercetin, and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside showed potent inhibitory activity toward the proliferation of MCF-7 cells, with EC50 values of 11.7 +/- 0.1, 137.5 +/- 2.6, and 23.9 +/- 3.9 microM, respectively. Quercetin, 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol-3-O-alpha-l-arabinofuranoside showed potent antioxidant activities, with EC50 values of approximately 10 microM. These results showed cranberry phytochemical extracts have potent antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

Inhibition of periodontopathogen-derived proteolytic enzymes by a high-molecular-weight fraction isolated from cranberry

BACKGROUND

Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola are three major aetiological agents of chronic periodontitis. The strong proteolytic activities of these bacteria are critical to their survival since their energy source is obtained from peptides and amino acids derived from proteins. In addition, proteases are important factors contributing to periodontal tissue destruction by a variety of mechanisms, including direct tissue degradation and modulation of host inflammatory responses.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of non-dialysable material (NDM) prepared from cranberry juice concentrate on the proteolytic activities of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola.

METHODS

The effect of NDM on gingipain and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) activities of P. gingivalis, trypsin-like activity of T. forsythia and chymotrypsin-like activity of T. denticola was evaluated using synthetic chromogenic peptides. In addition, the capacity of P. gingivalis to degrade fluorescein-labelled type I collagen and fluorescein-labelled transferrin in the presence of NDM was evaluated by fluorometry.

RESULTS

NDM dose-dependently inhibited the proteinases of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola as well as type I collagen and transferrin degradation by P. gingivalis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that NDM has the potential to reduce either the proliferation of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola in periodontal pockets or their proteinase-mediated destructive process occurring in periodontitis.