Natural avocado sugars induce secretion of ß-defensin-2 by epithelial cells: effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis

Oral epithelia represent the first physical and chemical barrier against bacterial invasion and colonization of the underlying tissues. This protection results from the production of epithelial innate immune responses, including the secretion of cationic antimicrobial peptides with a large spectrum of activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Among these antimicrobial cationic peptides, ß-defensin 2 (hBD-2) is expressed in the gingival epithelia upon stimulation by microorganisms or inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β or tumour necrosis factor-α. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of AV119, a patented blend of two sugars from avocado, on the induction of hBD-2 in two epithelial cell lines and a primo-culture of gingival epithelial cells. Culture supernatant from epithelial cells treated with AV119 was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Cell ELISA assays revealed that AV119 induces the production of hBD-2 by all the epithelial cells tested. Minimal Inhibition Concentration assay also showed that the culture supernatant of epithelial cells treated with AV119 possesses antibacterial activity. In conclusion, our data revealed that AV119 component, through hBD2 induction and antibacterial activity, could be considered for potential use in the control of oral mucosal infections and reduction of microbial tissue invasion during periodontitis