Effect of IgY on Periodontitis and Halitosis Induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a morbific agent in periodontitis and halitosis. Egg yolk antibody (IgY) was obtained from egg yolks from chickens stimulated with F. nucleatum . This study was to assess the effectiveness of IgY on periodontitis and halitosis caused by F. nucleatum in vitro and in vivo. The growth of F. nucleatum was inhibited ( p <0. 05) by different concentrations of IgY in vitro and the results of a Halimeter show volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were reduced to 904 ± 57 ppb at a concentration 40 mg/ml of IgY. The changes of fatty acids of F. nucleatum were determined using GC-MS. The scores for odor index of rat saliva were decreased. The major constituent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including short-chain acids decreased 46.2% in 10 mg/ml IgY, ammonia decreased 70% in 40 mg/ml IgY, while aldehydes and olefine ketones were almost unchanged. The ELISA assay revealed that IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased after 4 weeks' IgY treatment. Morphometric (X-ray) and histological analyses (HE) showed that IgY reduced alveolar bone loss and collagen fibers became orderly in rat models. As a result, IgY may have the potential to treat periodontitis and halitosis.