(−)Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits gelatinase activity of some bacterial isolates from ocular infection, and limits their invasion through gelatine

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta 2003-03, Vol.1620 (1), p.273-281
• Main Authors: Blanco, Anna Rita, La Terra Mulè, Simona, Babini, Gioia, Garbisa, Spiridione, Enea, Vincenzo, Rusciano, Dario
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: (−)Epigallocatechin-3-gallate; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Bacteria - drug effects; Bacteria - enzymology; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Bacteria - pathogenicity; Catechin - analogs & derivatives; Catechin - pharmacology; Culture Media - analysis; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Eye Infections, Bacterial - drug therapy; Eye Infections, Bacterial - microbiology; Gelatin; Gelatinases - analysis; Gelatinases - antagonists & inhibitors; Gelatinases - biosynthesis; Green tea; Humans; Invasion; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Ocular infection; Tea
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-4165(03)00007-2

The objective of this paper is to assess the gelatinase production by some ocular pathogenic bacterial strains, and evaluate the ability of (−)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) to inhibit this gelatinase activity and thus limit bacterial invasion. The effect of EGCg on bacterial gelatinase activity was tested by classic zymography methods, while its effect on bacterial invasion was evaluated through the ability of growing bacteria to liquefy and thus penetrate a semisolid gelatine substrate. It was found that EGCg inhibits bacterial gelatinases with an IC 50 of about 0.2 mM, and limits invasion of gelatinase-positive bacteria at concentrations above 2 mM. These results show for the first time that EGCg, as well as having direct antibacterial activity, can also inhibit bacterial gelatinases, thus limiting their invasion on gelatine. Possible use of EGCg is thus suggested as an adjuvant in antibacterial chemotherapy.