N-acyl homoserine lactones lactonase est816 suppresses biofilm formation and periodontitis in rats mediated by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

ABSTRACTAims The current study aimed to explore the adjuvant therapeutic effect of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs)-lactonase est816 on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) biological behaviors and periodontitis progression.Methods The inhibitory properties of est816 were detected by live/dead bacterial staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM), crystal-violet staining and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Biocompatibility of est816 on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human gingival epithelial cells (HGEs) was evaluated by CCK8 and ELISA. The ligature-induced periodontitis model was established in rats. Micro computed tomography and immunohistochemical and histological staining served to evaluate the effect of est816 on the prevention of periodontitis in vivo.Results est816 significantly attenuated biofilm formation, reduced the mRNA expression of cytolethal distending toxin, leukotoxin and poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG) and downregulated expressions of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α with low cell toxicity. In vivo investigations revealed est816 decreased alveolar bone resorption, suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and increased osteoprotegerin expression.Conclusion est816 inhibited A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilm formation and virulence release, resulting in anti-inflammation and soothing of periodontitis in rats, indicating that est816 could be investigated in further research on periodontal diseases.