Investigation of Antibacterial and Antiinflammatory Activities of Proanthocyanidins from Pelargonium sidoides DC Root Extract

Effects of hesperidin, thymol, rosmarinic acid and their combined effect on growth performance, intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in broilers

This study aims to investigate the effects of hesperidin (Hes), thymol (Thy), rosmarinic acid (RA) and their combined effect on broiler growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and cecal microbiota. A total of 240 newly hatched Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 8 chickens. The birds were fed a basal diet (Con group), a basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Hes (Hes group), a basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Thy (Thy group), a basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg RA (RA group), or a basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Hes + 40 mg/kg Thy + 20 mg/kg RA (HTR group) for 42 d. The results indicated that dietary Hes and HTR supplementation enhanced average daily gain, final body weight, and eviscerated yield of broilers compared with the Con group (P < 0.05). Notably, the HTR treatment showed a decrease in abdominal fat yield and ratio of feed to weight gain (P < 0.05). HTR treatment increased ileal villus height, villus height/crypt depth, and number of goblet cells, decreased the crypt depth (P < 0.05), up-regulated the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin) and MUC2 (P < 0.05). Hes, Thy, RA, HTR treatment decreased the concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-8, IFN-γ and TNF-α), and down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB (P < 0.05). Importantly, the supplementation of HTR increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Parabacteroides, Lachnosiraceae NK4A136 and Turicbacter) and significantly decreased the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria such as Colidextribacter (P < 0.05). Additionally, the concentrations of propionate and butyrate in the cecum were elevated in the HTR group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that the diet supplemented with HTR improved the growth performance and intestinal barrier function in broilers by modulating the cecal microbiota and its metabolites.

Condensed tannins-Their content in plant foods, changes during processing, antioxidant and biological activities

Condensed tannins are considered nutritionally undesirable, because they precipitate proteins, inhibit digestive enzymes, and can affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals. From the consumer's point of view, they impart astringency to foods. Yet, they are viewed as a double-edged sword, since they possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Intake of a small quantity of the right kind of tannins may in fact be beneficial to human health. This chapter reports on the chemical structure of condensed tannins, their content in plants and food of plant origin, how they are extracted, and methods for their determination. A description of the effects of processing on condensed tannins is discussed and includes soaking, dehulling, thermal processing (i.e., cooking, boiling, autoclaving, extrusion), and germination. The astringency of condensed tannins is described in relation to their interactions with proteins. Finally, details about the biological properties of condensed tannins, including their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities, are reviewed.

A literature review of bioactive substances for the treatment of periodontitis: In vitro, in vivo and clinical studies

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the tooth that involves a complex interaction of microorganisms and various cell lines around the infected site. To prevent and treat this disease, several options are available, such as scaling, root planning, antibiotic treatment, and dental surgeries, depending on the stage of the disease. However, these treatments can have various side effects, including additional inflammatory responses, chronic wounds, and the need for secondary surgery. Consequently, numerous studies have focused on developing new therapeutic agents for more effective periodontitis treatment. This review explores the latest trends in bioactive substances with therapeutic effects for periodontitis using various search engines. Therefore, this study aimed to suggest effective directions for therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we provide a summary of the current applications and underlying mechanisms of bioactive substances, which can serve as a reference for the development of periodontitis treatments.

The homeostasis and therapeutic applications of innate and adaptive immune cells in periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

Periodontitis (PD) is one of the most common dental disorders. This chronic oral inflammation is caused by complicated interrelations between bacterial infections, dysregulated immune reactions, and environmental risk factors. A dysregulated immune response can lead to inflammatory bone resorption by allowing the recruitment of pro-inflammatory immune cells to the periodontal tissues.

SUBJECTS

The recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells in PD initiates the acute and following chronic inflammatory processes. The inflamed tissues, on the other hand, can be restored if the anti-inflammatory lineages are predominantly established in the periodontal tissues. Therefore, we aimed to review the published literature to provide an overview of the existing knowledge about the role of immune cells in PD, as well as their possible therapeutic applications.

RESULTS

Experimental studies showed that drugs/systems that negatively regulate inflammatory cells in the body, as well as interventions aimed at increasing the number of anti-inflammatory cells such as Tregs and Bregs, can both help in the healing process of PD.

CONCLUSION

Targeting immune cells or their positive/negative manipulations has been demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic method. However, to use this sort of immunotherapy in humans, further pre-clinical investigations, as well as randomized clinical trials, are required.

Exploring the potential of ume-derived proanthocyanidins: novel applications for blueberry preservation

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) extracted from ume have many well-known functional properties. The aim of this study was to explore a novel natural food preservative using ume plum pulp proanthocyanidins (UPPP). The crude product of PCs from ume plum was obtained by using ethanol as extraction solvent and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and then the pure product of UPPP was obtained by purification with AB-8 resin. The bacteriostatic ability of UPPP and the freshness preservation effect on blueberry were analyzed. The results showed that UPPP had a high inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 1.563 mg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC of 3.125 mg/mL). Findings revealed that, in comparison to 0.02% potassium sorbate, blueberries treated with a high concentration of UPPP in a dipping treatment displayed superior quality maintenance after 7 days of storage at 4°C. Importantly, analysis of the various metrics showed that treatment with UPPP was significantly better compared to blueberries treated with 0.02% potassium sorbate. For example, the decay rate, weight loss, and total number of colonies of blueberries treated with 0.02% potassium sorbate were 55.56, 3.48%, and 4.24 ± 0.07 log CFU/mL, whereas the values of the above indexes for blueberries treated with 25 mg/mL of UPPP were 22.22, 3.09%, and 3.10 ± 0.17 log CFU/mL, respectively. Conversely, blueberries that were not dipped in any preservative displayed signs of deterioration as early as the 3rd day of the storage period, highlighting the potential of UPPP as a valuable method for preserving fruits and vegetables. Therefore, UPPP holds great promise as an innovative natural food preservative, effectively enhancing food safety, quality, and extending shelf-life.

Efficacy of Proanthocyanidins in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of proanthocyanidins (PACNs) as an adjunctive periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

Patients with periodontitis (stage III-IV) were included in this randomised clinical study. Patients with periodontitis received 2 different treatment modalities: minimally invasive nonsurgical therapy only (MINST group) or minimally invasive nonsurgical therapy and subgingival application of collagen hydrogels with PACNs (MINST + PACNs group). Clinical periodontal parameters, that is, pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), were evaluated before treatment and after 8 weeks. Concentrations of immunologic markers, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in saliva were assessed at baseline and at 8-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients diagnosed with periodontitis were randomised into 2 groups: 23 patients in the MINST group and 23 patients in the MINST + PACNs group received the intended treatment. PACNs combined with MINST resulted in additional statistically significant PPD reduction and CAL gain in moderate periodontal pockets by 0.5 mm (P < .05) on average compared to MINST alone. Additional use of PACNs did not result in additional statistically significant improvement of BOP or PI values. Application of PACNs showed significant reduction of MMP-3 levels in saliva after 8 weeks (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive use of PACNs in MINST resulted in better clinical outcomes for moderate pockets. Additional use of PACNs improved MMP-3 concentration in saliva more than MINST alone. Biochemical analysis revealed that MMP-3 concentration in saliva reflected the periodontal health state.

Conferring Antioxidant Activity to an Antibacterial and Bioactive Titanium Surface through the Grafting of a Natural Extract

The main unmet medical need of bone implants is multifunctional activity, including their ability to induce rapid and physiological osseointegration, counteract bacterial biofilm formation, and prevent in situ chronic inflammation at the same time. This research starts from an already developed c.p. titanium surface with proven bioactive (in vitro hydroxyl apatite precipitation) and antibacterial activities, due to a calcium titanate layer with nano- and micro-scale roughness and loaded with iodine ions. Here, antioxidant ability was added to prevent chronic inflammation by grafting polyphenols of a green tea extract onto the surface, without compromising the other functionalities of the surface. The surface was characterized before and after functionalization through XPS analysis, zeta potential titrations, ion release measurements, in vitro bioactivity tests, SEM and fluorescence microscopy, and Folin-Ciocalteu and biological tests. The presence of grafted polyphenols as a homogeneous layer was proven. The grafted polyphenols maintained their antioxidant ability and were anchored to the surface through the linking action of Ca²⁺ ions added to the functionalizing solution. Iodine ion release, cytocompatibility towards human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), and antibacterial activity were maintained even after functionalization. The antioxidant ability of the functionalized surface was effective in preserving hMSC viability in a chemically induced pro-inflammatory environment, thus showing a scavenger activity towards toxic active species responsible for inflammation.

Proanthocyanidins from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Leaves: Perspectives in Wound Healing and Designing for Topical Delivery

The compositions and health-beneficial properties of lingonberry leaves (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) are well established; however, their proanthocyanidins are still heavily underutilized. Optimizing their delivery systems is key to enabling their wider applications. The present study investigates the phytochemical and 'wound-healing' properties of proanthocyanidin-rich fraction(s) (PRF) from lingonberry leaves as well as the development of optimal dermal film as a proanthocyanidin delivery system. The obtained PRF was subjected to HPLC-PDA and DMAC analyses to confirm the qualitative and quantitative profiles of different polymerization-degree proanthocyanidins. A 'wound healing' in vitro assay was performed to assess the ability of PRF to modulate the wound environment for better healing. Low concentrations of lingonberry proanthocyanidins were found to accelerate 'wound' closures, while high levels inhibited human fibroblast migration. Fifteen dermal films containing PRF were prepared and evaluated based on their polymer (MC, HEC, PEG 400) compositions, and physical, mechanical, and biopharmaceutical properties using an experimental design. The composition containing 0.30 g of MC, 0.05 g of HEC, and 3.0 g of PEG 400 was selected as a promising formulation for PRF delivery and a potentially effective functional wound dressing material, supporting the need for further investigations.

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenol and Nanoparticles Mediated Delivery in Periodontal Inflammation: A Review of Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Periodontitis is an oral inflammatory process involving the periodontium, which is mainly caused by the invasion of periodontopathogenic microorganisms that results in gingival connective tissue and alveolar bone destruction. Metabolic products of the oral pathogens and the associated host immune and inflammatory responses triggered are responsible for the local tissue destruction. Numerous studies in the past decades have demonstrated that natural polyphenols are capable of modulating the host inflammatory responses by targeting multiple inflammatory components. The proposed mechanism by which polyphenolic compounds exert their great potential is by regulating the immune cell, proinflammatory cytokines synthesis and gene expression. However, due to its low absorption and bioavailability, the beneficial effects of these substances are very limited and it hampers their use as a therapeutic agent. To address these limitations, targeted delivery systems by nanoencapsulation techniques have been explored in recent years. Nanoencapsulation of polyphenolic compounds with different carriers is an efficient and promising approach to boost their bioavailability, increase the efficiency and reduce the degradability of natural polyphenols. In this review, we focus on the effects of different polyphenolic substances in periodontal inflammation and to explore the pharmaceutical significance of polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles in controlling periodontitis, which may be useful for further enhancement of their efficacy as therapeutic agents for periodontal disease.

Provision of Ecosystem Services in Riparian Hemiboreal Forest Fixed-Width Buffers

The importance of riparian forest protection is widely acknowledged. However, scientific discussions are still ongoing as to the most suitable and effective protection activities for these forests. The quality of the provision of different ecosystem services in protected riparian forest buffers could provide an insight into the impact of protection regulations. Cultural ecosystem services in riparian forests have an important social-ecological context, especially with the growing interest in recreation activities in forests. The aim of our study was to compare provision of different ecosystem services in riparian forest buffers located both adjacent to (0–50 m) and distant from (51–200 m) the stream. In our study, four small-to-medium-sized rivers in Latvia were used. In total, six different indicators of ecosystem services were estimated, based on data from the National Forest Inventory and the European Soil Data Centre. Bayesian ordinal regression was employed to assess the differences between the two buffer strips. Our results showed that the majority of assessed ecosystem service indicators (Recreation potential of the forest ecosystem, Visual quality of the forest landscape, Potential for the presence of medicinal plants and Potential for the presence of nectar plants) were of higher quality in the adjacent (0–50 m) buffer. Only one indicator (Flora with phytoremediation potential) had significantly higher values in the distant buffer strips (estimate 0.24, CI: [0.11, 0.38]). The observed distribution of quality classes showed that, only for the indicator Potential of medicinal plants, the highest quality class was the most common (>60%), for other indicators dominated average quality class estimations. The obtained results suggested that the current protection status that riparian forest buffers have facilitated maintain the provision of several cultural and regulation & maintenance ecosystem services.

Procyanidins and Their Therapeutic Potential against Oral Diseases

Procyanidins, as a kind of dietary flavonoid, have excellent pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, and so they can be used to treat various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, and obesity. Given the low bioavailability of procyanidins, great efforts have been made in drug delivery systems to address their limited use. Nowadays, the heavy burden of oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, endodontic infections, etc., and their consequences on the patients’ quality of life indicate a strong need for developing effective therapies. Recent years, plenty of efforts are being made to develop more effective treatments. Therefore, this review summarized the latest researches on versatile effects and enhanced bioavailability of procyanidins resulting from innovative drug delivery systems, particularly focused on its potential against oral diseases.

Structural Elucidation of an Atropisomeric Entcassiflavan-(4β→8)-Epicatechin Isolated from Dalbergia monetaria L.f. Based on NMR and ECD Calculations in Comparison to Experimental Data

A rare dihydoxyflavan-epicatechin proanthocyanidin, entcassiflavan-(4β→8)-epicatechin, was isolated from Dalbergia monetaria, a plant widely used by traditional people from the Amazon to treat urinary tract infections. The constitution and relative configuration of the compound were elucidated by HR-MS and detailed 1D- and 2D-NMR measurements. By comparing the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum with the calculated ECD spectra of all 16 possible isomers, the absolute configuration, the interflavan linkage, and the atropisomers could be determined.

Pharmacology and toxicology of tannins

Tannins are an interesting class of polyphenols, characterized, in almost all cases, by a different degree of polymerization, which, inevitably, markedly influences their bioavailability, as well as biochemical and pharmacological activities. They have been used for the process of tanning to transform hides into leather, from which their name derives. For several time, they have not been accurately evaluated, but now researchers have started to unravel their potential, highlighting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, as well as their involvement in cardiovascular, neuroprotective and in general metabolic diseases prevention. The mechanisms underlying their activity are often complex, but the main targets of their action (such as key enzymes modulation, activation of metabolic pathways and changes in the metabolic fluxes) are highlighted in this review, without losing sight of their toxicity. This aspect still needs further and better-designed study to be thoroughly understood and allow a more conscious use of tannins for human health.

Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Periodontitis: Progress and Perspectives

Periodontitis is one of the most common dental diseases. Compared with healthy periodontal tissues, the immune microenvironment plays the key role in periodontitis by allowing the invasion of pathogens. It is possible that modulating the immune microenvironment can supplement traditional treatments and may even promote periodontal regeneration by using stem cells, bacteria, etc. New anti-inflammatory therapies can enhance the generation of a viable local immune microenvironment and promote cell homing and tissue formation, thereby achieving higher levels of immune regulation and tissue repair. We screened recent studies to summarize the advances of the immunomodulatory treatments for periodontitis in the aspects of drug therapy, microbial therapy, stem cell therapy, gene therapy and other therapies. In addition, we included the changes of immune cells and cytokines in the immune microenvironment of periodontitis in the section of drug therapy so as to make it clearer how the treatments took effects accordingly. In the future, more research needs to be done to improve immunotherapy methods and understand the risks and long-term efficacy of these methods in periodontitis.

The determination of antibacterial mode for cationic lipopeptides brevibacillins against Salmonella typhimurium by quantum chemistry calculation

Brevibacillins are broad-spectrum cationic antimicrobial lipopeptides produced by Brevibacillus laterosporus fmb70 CGMCC 18426. The antibacterial mode of brevibacillins against Salmonella typhimurium CICC 21493 was investigated by quantum chemistry calculation in this study. The addition of LPS, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ partially reduced the antimicrobial activity of brevibacillin and brevibacillin V against S. typhimurium, which indicated that the two cationic lipopeptides could bind to LPS and displaced the divalent cations on the LPS network. Release of LPS from S. typhimurium by brevibacillin and brevibacillin V resulted in destroying the dense LPS network and increasing the permeability of the outer membrane. Quantum chemistry calculation analysis revealed that Lys7 is the most critical amino acid residue to destroy the outer membrane. The total average N-H charge difference of the three protonated amino groups (Orn3-NH₃, Lys7-NH₃, and Lys10-NH₃) determined the ability of brevibacillin V to bind LPS stronger than brevibacillin. Calcein complete leakage from liposomes and release of DiSC₃-5 from the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) indicated that brevibacillin and brevibacillin V may destroy the CM. Brevibacillin and brevibacillin V exhibited their antimicrobial activities through membrane damages, where the OM permeability with high concentration of 64-256 µg/mL and membrane damage of CM with a low concentration of 4 μg/mL. Our finding might be helpful to understand the broad-spectrum antimicrobial mechanism of cationic lipopeptide and to design the novel antimicrobial peptide. KEY POINTS: • Brevibacillin V had stronger affinity for LPS than brevibacillin. • The N-H charge difference was the key of the difference in the affinity to LPS. • Brevibacillins inhibited Salmonella by displacing the divalent cations on the LPS.

Mesoporous zirconia surfaces with anti-biofilm properties for dental implants

Cytocompatible bioactive surface treatments conferring antibacterial properties to osseointegrated dental implants are highly requested to prevent bacteria-related peri-implantitis. Here we focus on a newly designed family of mesoporous coatings based on zirconia (ZrO₂) microstructure doped with gallium (Ga), exploiting its antibacterial and pro-osseo-integrative properties. The ZrO₂films were obtained via sol-gel synthesis route using Pluronic F127 as templating agent, while Ga doping was gained by introducing gallium nitrate hydrate. Chemical characterization by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy confirmed the effective incorporation of Ga. Then, coatings morphological and structural analysis were carried out by transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction unveiling an effective stabilization of both the mesoporous structure and the tetragonal ZrO₂phase. Specimens' cytocompatibility was confirmed towards gingival fibroblast and osteoblasts progenitors cultivated directly onto the coatings showing comparable metabolic activity and morphology in respect to controls cultivated on polystyrene. The presence of Ga significantly reduced the metabolic activity of the adhered oral pathogensPorphyromonas gingivalisandAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansin comparison to untreated bulk zirconia (p< 0.05); on the opposite, Ga ions did not significantly reduce the metabolism of the oral commensalStreptococcus salivarius(p> 0.05) thus suggesting for a selective anti-pathogens activity. Finally, the coatings' ability to preserve cells from bacterial infection was proved in a co-culture method where cells and bacteria were cultivated in the same environment: the presence of Ga determined a significant reduction of the bacteria viability while allowing at the same time for cells proliferation. In conclusion, the here developed coatings not only demonstrated to satisfy the requested antibacterial and cytocompatibility properties, but also being promising candidates for the improvement of implantable devices in the field of implant dentistry.

Tellurium: A new active element for innovative multifunctional bioactive glasses

Bioactive glasses have been widely investigated for their ability to release ions with therapeutic effect. In this paper, a silica based bioactive glass was doped with a low amount of tellurium dioxide (1 and 5 mol%) to confer antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The obtained glasses were characterized in terms of morphology, composition, structure, characteristic temperatures and in vitro bioactivity. Moreover, comprehensive analyses were carried out to estimate the cytocompatibility, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Te-doped glasses. The performed characterizations demonstrated that the Te insertion did not interfere with the amorphous nature of the glass, the substitution of SiO₂ with TeO₂ led to a slight decrease in T_g and a TeO₂ amount higher than 1 mol% can induce a change in the primary crystal field. In vitro bioactivity test demonstrated the Te-doped glass ability to induce the precipitation of hydroxyapatite. Finally, the biological characterization showed a strong antibacterial and antioxidant effects of Te-containing glasses in comparison with the control glass, demonstrating that Te is a promising element to enhance the biological response of biomaterials.

Proanthocyanidins and Flavan-3-ols in the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis-Immunomodulatory Effects, Animal and Clinical Studies

This paper continues the systematic review on proanthocyanidins and flavan-3-ols in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and covers the immunomodulatory effects, and animal- and clinical studies, while the other part discussed the direct antibacterial properties. Inflammation as a major response of the periodontal tissues attacked by pathogenic microbes can significantly exacerbate the condition. However, the bidirectional activity of phytochemicals that simultaneously inhibit bacterial proliferation and proinflammatory signaling can provide a substantial alleviation of both cause and symptoms. The modulatory effects on various aspects of inflammatory and overall immune response are covered, including confirmed and postulated mechanisms of action, structure activity relationships and molecular targets. Further, the clinical relevance of flavan-3-ols and available outcomes from clinical studies is analyzed and discussed. Among the numerous natural sources of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins the most promising are, similarly to antibacterial properties, constituents of various foods, such as fruits of Vaccinium species, tea leaves, grape seeds, and tannin-rich medicinal herbs. Despite a vast amount of in vitro and cell-based evidence of immunomodulatory there are still only a few animal and clinical studies. Most of the reports, regardless of the used model, indicated the efficiency of these phytochemicals from cranberries and other Vaccinium species and tea extracts (green or black). Other sources such as grape seeds and traditional medicinal plants, were seldom. In conclusion, the potential of flavan-3-ols and their derivatives in prevention and alleviation of periodontal disease is remarkable but clinical evidence is urgently needed for issuing credible dietary recommendation and complementary treatments.

Proanthocyanidins and Flavan-3-Ols in the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis-Antibacterial Effects

Flavan-3-ols and their oligomeric forms called proanthocyanidins are polyphenolic compounds occurring in several foodstuffs and in many medicinal herbs. Their consumption is associated with numerous health benefits. They exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, as well as antimicrobial activity. The latter property is important in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Periodontitis is a multifactorial polymicrobial infection characterized by a destructive inflammatory process affecting the periodontium. Using non-toxic and efficient natural products such as flavanol derivatives can significantly contribute to alleviating periodontitis symptoms and preventing the disease’s progress. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic review of proanthocyanidins and flavan-3-ols in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis was performed. The present paper reviews the direct antibacterial effects of these compounds against periodontic pathogens. The immunomodulatory effects, including animal and clinical studies, are included in a separate, parallel article. There is significant evidence supporting the importance of the antibacterial action exerted by proanthocyanidins from edible fruits, tea, and medicinal herbs in the inhibition of periodontitis-causing pathogens.

The Impact of Diet, Nutrition and Nutraceuticals on Oral and Periodontal Health

Oral and periodontal diseases can determine severe functional, phonatory and aesthetic impairments and are the main cause of adult tooth loss. They are caused by some specific bacteria that provoke an intense local inflammatory response and affect-with particular gravity-susceptible subjects, because of reasons related to genetics and lifestyles (e.g., smoking and home oral hygiene habits). They are more frequent in the disadvantaged segments of society and, in particular, in subjects who have difficulty accessing preventive services and dental care. Some systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase their risk of development and progression. Recently, in addition to the obvious considerations of severe alterations and impairments for oral health and well-being, it has been noted that periodontitis can cause changes in the whole organism. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the presence of a strong association between periodontitis and some systemic diseases, in particular, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, lung diseases and complications of pregnancy. The purpose of this editorial is to provide a current and thoughtful perspective on the relationship of diet and natural agents on oral, periodontal diseases, and chewing disorder preventions which may reflect good systemic conditions and related quality of life or to analyze indirect effects through the contribution of diet and nutrition to systemic health in order to obtain a modern diagnostic-therapeutic approach.

Evaluation of Nisin and LL-37 Antimicrobial Peptides as Tool to Preserve Articular Cartilage Healing in a Septic Environment

Cartilage repair still represents a challenge for clinicians and only few effective therapies are nowadays available. In fact, surgery is limited by the tissue poor self-healing capacity while the autologous transplantation is often forsaken due to the poor in vitro expansion capacity of chondrocytes. Biomaterials science offers a unique alternative based on the replacement of the injured tissue with an artificial tissue-mimicking scaffold. However, the implantation surgical practices and the scaffold itself can be a source of bacterial infection that currently represents the first reason of implants failure due to the increasing antibiotics resistance of pathogens. So, alternative antibacterial tools to prevent infections and consequent device removal are urgently required. In this work, the role of Nisin and LL-37 peptides has been investigated as alternative to antibiotics to their antimicrobial performances for direct application at the surgical site or as doping chemicals for devices aimed at articular cartilage repair. First, peptides cytocompatibility was investigated toward human mesenchymal stem cells to determine safe concentrations; then, the broad-range antibacterial activity was verified toward the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans pathogens. The peptides selective antibacterial activity was verified by a cells-bacteria co-culture assay, while chondrogenesis was assayed to exclude any interference within the differentiation route to simulate the tissue repair. In the next phase, the experiments were repeated by moving from the cell monolayer model to 3D cartilage-like spheroids to revisit the peptides activity in a more physiologically relevant environment model. Finally, the spheroid model was applied in a perfusion bioreactor to simulate an infection in the presence of circulating peptides within a physiological environment. Results suggested that 75 μg/ml Nisin can be considered as a very promising candidate since it was shown to be more cytocompatible and potent against the investigated bacteria than LL-37 in all the tested models.