Cranberry proanthocyanidins inhibit the adherence properties of Candida albicans and cytokine secretion by oral epithelial cells

Microplate dilution assays were performed to determine the effect of AC-PACs on C. albicans growth as well as biofilm formation stained with crystal violet. Adhesion of FITC-labeled C. albicans to oral epithelial cells and to acrylic resin disks was monitored by fluorometry. The effects of AC-PACs on C. albicans-induced cytokine secretion, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 activation and kinase phosphorylation in oral epithelial cells were determined by immunological assays.Although AC-PACs did not affect growth of C. albicans, it prevented biofilm formation and reduced adherence of C. albicans to oral epithelial cells and saliva-coated acrylic resin discs. In addition, AC-PACs significantly decreased the secretion of IL-8 and IL-6 by oral epithelial cells stimulated with C. albicans. This anti-inflammatory effect was associated with reduced activation of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylation of specific signal intracellular kinases.AC-PACs by affecting the adherence properties of C. albicans and attenuating the inflammatory response induced by this pathogen represent potential novel therapeutic agents for the prevention/treatment of oral candidiasis.Candida albicans is a commensal microorganism that colonizes the oral cavity of a large proportion of humans. Although in most cases this yeast does not cause any harmful effects, an overgrowth of C. albicans may result in candidiasis. Several factors that induce changes in the oral environment can predispose individuals to oral candidiasis and include: antibiotics and corticosteroid use, xerostomia, diabetes mellitus, nutritional deficiencies, and immunosuppressive diseases and therapy [1]. More specifically, denture stomatitis is a common form of candidiasis affecting denture wearers and characterized by an inflammation of the oral mucosal areas induced by C. albicans [2]. Several virulence properties of C. albicans, which contribute to the development of oral candidiasis have been identified. They include i) adhesins that a