Effects of a Berry Polyphenolic Fraction on the Pathogenic Properties of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Katy Vaillancourt, Amel Ben Lagha, Daniel Grenier
Abstract
Porphyromonas gingivalis expresses a broad array of virulence factors that enable it to play a central role in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of a berry polyphenolic fraction (Orophenol®) composed of extracts from cranberry, wild blueberry, and strawberry on the main pathogenic determinants of P. gingivalis . Orophenol® attenuated the growth of P. gingivalis and decreased its hemolytic activity, its adherence to a basement membrane matrix model, and its proteinase activities. The berry polyphenolic fraction also impaired the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by oral keratinocytes stimulated with P. gingivalis . Lastly, using an in vitro model of oral keratinocyte barrier, the fraction exerted a protective effect against the damages mediated by P. gingivalis . In conclusion, the berry polyphenolic fraction investigated in the present study attenuated several pathogenic properties of P. gingivalis . Although future clinical investigations are required, our study provided evidence that the polyphenols contained in this fraction may represent bioactive molecules of high interest for the prevention and/or treatment of periodontal disease.