Protective effect of Chromobacterium violaceum and violacein against bone resorption by periodontitis

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Chromobacterium violaceum and violacein against periodontitis, in experimental models. Materials and methods A double-blind experimental study on the exposure to C. violaceum or violacein in experimentally ligature-induced periodontitis, as preventive factors against alveolar bone loss by periodontitis. Bone resorption was assessed by morphometry. Antibacterial potential of violacein was assessed in an in vitro assay. Its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated using the Ames test and SOS Chromotest assay, respectively. Results The potential of C. violaceum to prevent/limit bone resorption by periodontitis was confirmed. Daily exposure to 10 6 cells/ml in water intake since birth and only during the first 30 days of life significantly reduced bone loss from periodontitis in teeth with ligature. Violacein extracted from C. violaceum was efficient in inhibiting or limiting bone resorption and had a bactericidal effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis in the in vitro assay. Conclusions We conclude that C. violaceum and violacein have the potential to prevent or limit the progression of periodontal diseases, in an experimental model. Clinical relevance The effect of an environmental microorganism with potential action against bone loss in animal models with ligature-induced periodontitis represents the possibility of understanding the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases in populations exposed to C. violaceum and the possibility of new probiotics and antimicrobials. This would imply new preventive and therapeutic possibilities.