Hydroxy decenoic acid down regulates <it>gtfB</it> and <it>gtfC</it> expression and prevents <it>Streptococcus mutans</it> adherence to the cell surfaces

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>10<b>-</b>Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid is the most active and unique component to the royal jelly that has antimicrobial properties. <it>Streptococcus mutans</it> is associated with pathogenesis of oral cavity, gingivoperiodontal diseases and bacteremia following dental manipulations. In the oral cavity, <it>S. mutans</it> colonize the soft tissues including tongue, palate, and buccal mucosa. When considering the role of supragingival dental plaque in caries, the proportion of acid producing bacteria (particularly <it>S. mutans</it>), has direct relevance to the pathogenicity of the plaque. The genes that encode glucosyltransferases (<it>gtf</it>s) especially <it>gtfB</it> and <it>gtfC</it> are important in <it>S. mutans</it> colonization and pathogenesis. This study investigated the hydroxy-decenoic acid (HDA) effects on <it>gtfB</it> and <it>gtfC</it> expression and <it>S. mutans</it> adherence to cells surfaces.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p><it>Streptococcus mutans</it> was treated by different concentrations of HPLC purified HDA supplied by Iran Beekeeping and Veterinary Association. Real time RT-PCR and western blot assays were conducted to evaluate <it>gtfB</it> and <it>gtfC</it> genes transcription and translation before and after HDA treatment. The bacterial attachment to the cell surfaces was evaluated microscopically.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>500 μg ml^-1 of HDA inhibited <it>gtfB</it> and <it>gtfC</it> mRNA transcription and its expression. The same concentration of HDA decreased 60% the adherence of <it>S. mutans</it> to the surface of P19 cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Hydroxy-decenoic acid prevents <it>gtfB</it> and <it>gtfC</it> expression efficiently in the bactericide sub-concentrations and it could effectively reduce <it>S. mutans</it> adherence to the cell surfaces. In the future, therapeutic approaches to affecting <it>S. mutans</it> could be selective and it’s not necessary to put down the oral flora completely.</p