The effect of fructose on the metabolism of sucrose by Streptococcus mutans

Shim, Jig Hyeon; Vang, Mong Sook; Yang, Hong So; Park, Sang Won; Park, Ha Ok; Oh, Jong Suk; Lee, Jai Bong

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Streptococcus produces energy and forms extracellular polysaccharides by metabolizing sucrose. Insoluble glucan, a kind of extracellular polysaccharide, is the important material of dental plaque. Fructose affects the metabolism of sucrose. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fructose on the metabolism of sucrose in Streptococcus mutans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To determine the effect of fructose on the formation of artificial plaque by Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt, S. mutansand fructose were placed in beakers containing M17 broth and sucrose. The wires were hung on frameworks inserted into cork stoppers, and then immersed in each of the beakers. After the incubation with gentle shaking, each wire was weighed. To analyze the effect of fructose on the sucrose metabolism by S. mutans or glucosyltransferase, S. mutans and fructose were placed in M17 broth containing sucrose. After the incubation. the remaining sucrose and polymers were analysed by thin layer chromatography.
RESULTS
The following results were obtained; 1. When Streptococcus mutans was cultured in the media containing 3% sucrose for 8 hours, the mean weight of formed artificial plaque on the wires was 124.3+/-3.0 mg, whereas being reduced to 20.7+/-10.2 mg in the media added with 3% sucrose and 4% fructose(p<0.05). 2. When the control containing glucose was added with sucrose, the optical density of Streptococcus mutans solution cultured for 24 hours was not increased compared with the control, while being increased by adding with fructose. 3. When Streptococcus mutanswas incubated in the media added with sucrose and fructose for 8 hours, the number of viable cells was increased compared with the media added with sucrose. 4. The amount of remained sucrose was increased in Streptococcus mutansculture supernatant of media added with sucrose and fructose than with sucrose only, but the amount of produced insoluble glucan was decreased. 5. The amounts of remained sucrose and produced soluble glucan were increased in the culture of glucosyltransferase-contained media added with sucrose and fructose than with sucrose only, but the amount of produced insoluble glucan was decreased.
CONCLUSION
These results indicated that the sucrose metabolism and the production of insoluble glucan were inhibited in Streptococcus mutans by adding fructose in the media containing sucrose.