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Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
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The differential expression of mgl mRNA by Porphyromonas gingivalis affects the production of methyl mercaptan

K Ouhara1, Y Iwasaki1, M Kajiya1

  • 1Division of Applied Life Sciences, Department of Periodontal Medicine, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.

Oral Diseases
|February 24, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) produces methyl mercaptan (CH3 SH), a cause of halitosis. Oriental medicine, magnoliaceae, inhibited CH3 SH production, suggesting a potential halitosis treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Periodontology
  • Halitosis research

Background:

  • Halitosis, or bad breath, is often caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
  • VSCs, particularly methyl mercaptan (CH3 SH), are linked to periodontitis caused by bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between halitosis and Pg infection.
  • To determine if isolated Pg strains produce CH3 SH.
  • To explore the potential of oriental medicine as a halitosis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated Pg from halitosis patients using 16S rRNA amplification.
  • Measured CH3 SH concentrations in patients and in vitro using Oral Chroma.
  • Analyzed mgl mRNA expression via real-time PCR.
  • Assessed the effects of oriental medicine (magnoliaceae) on CH3 SH and mgl mRNA.

Main Results:

  • CH3 SH production by Pg correlated with mgl mRNA expression in the presence of l-methionine.
  • Magnoliaceae significantly inhibited mgl mRNA expression in Pg W83.
  • A strong correlation was observed between CH3 SH production and mgl mRNA expression.

Conclusions:

  • CH3 SH production is linked to mgl gene expression in Pg.
  • Magnoliaceae shows promise as a natural therapeutic agent for halitosis.
Keywords:
Porphyromonas gingivalishalitosisperiodontitisvolatile sulfur compounds

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