Plant polyphenols inhibit VacA, a toxin secreted by the gastric pathogen <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>
Francesco TombolaCNR Institute of Neurosciences, Biomembranes section, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121, Padua, ItalySilvia CampelloCNR Institute of Neurosciences, Biomembranes section, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, ItalyLaura De LucaCNR Institute of Neurosciences, Biomembranes section, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, ItalyPaolo RuggieroGiuseppe Del GiudiceEmanuele PapiniCNR Institute of Neurosciences, Biomembranes section, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, ItalyMario ZorattiCNR Institute of Neurosciences, Biomembranes section, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, Italy
2003en
ABI
Abstract
VacA is a major virulence factor of the widespread stomach-dwelling bacterium Helicobacter pylori. It causes cell vacuolation and tissue damage by forming anion-selective, urea-permeable channels in plasma and endosomal membranes. We report that several flavone derivatives and other polyphenols present in vegetables and plants inhibit ion and urea conduction and cell vacuolation by VacA. Red wine and green tea, which contain many of the compounds in question, also potently inhibit the toxin. These observations suggest that polyphenols or polyphenol derivatives may be useful in the prevention or cure of H. pylori-associated gastric diseases.
Identifiers
Citations and references
Cited by 20 references