Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Porphyromonas gingivalis, a late colonizer of the periodontal biofilm, has been strongly associated with the chronic form of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a Dual Zinc plus Arginine formulation (aqueous solution and dentifrice) on the pathogenic properties of P. gingivalis and the barrier function of an in vitro gingival epithelium model. RESULTS: The Dual Zinc plus Arginine aqueous solution and dentifrice inhibited the hemolytic and proteolytic activities of P. gingivalis. The Dual Zinc plus Arginine aqueous solution and dentifrice enhanced the barrier function of an in vitro gingival epithelium model as determined by a time-dependent increase in transepithelial electrical resistance and decrease in paracellular permeability. This was associated with an increased immunolabeling of two important tight junction proteins: zonula occludens-1 and occludin. The deleterious effects of P. gingivalis on keratinocyte barrier function as well as the ability of the bacterium to translocate through a gingival epithelium model were attenuated in the presence of either Dual Zinc plus Arginine aqueous solution or dentifrice. CONCLUSIONS: The Dual Zinc plus Arginine formulation may offer benefits for patients affected by periodontal disease through its ability to attenuate the pathogenic properties of P. gingivalis and promote keratinocyte barrier function.