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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
Published on: September 14, 2019
Nicotinamide could reduce growth and cariogenic virulence of Streptococcus mutans
Yongwang Lin1, Tao Gong1, Qizhao Ma1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
Dental caries is among the most prevalent chronic oral infectious diseases. Streptococcus mutans, a major cariogenic bacterial species, possesses several cariogenicity-associated characteristics, including exopolysaccharides (EPS) synthesis, biofilm formation, acidogenicity, and aciduricity. Nicotinamide (NAM), a form of vitamin B3, is a non-toxic, orally available, and inexpensive compound. The present study investigated the inhibitory effects of NAM on the cariogenic virulence factors of S. mutans in vitro and in vivo. NAM inhibited the growth of S. mutans UA159 and the clinical isolates. In addition, there was a decrease in the acid production and acid tolerance ability, as well as biofilm formation and EPS production of S. mutans after NAM treatment. Global gene expression profiling showed that 128 and 58 genes were significantly downregulated and upregulated, respectively, in NAM-treated S. mutans strains. The differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with carbohydrate transport and metabolism, glycolysis, acid tolerance. Moreover, in a rat caries model, NAM significantly reduced the incidence and severity of smooth and sulcal-surface caries in vivo. NAM exhibited good antimicrobial properties against S. mutans, indicating its potential value for antibiofilm and anti-caries applications.
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