Factors influencing the prevention of urinary tract infection by tamm-horsfall protein following the ingestion of cranberry juice cocktail

Abstract

Cranberry Juice Cocktail (CJC) has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of bacterial adherence to uroephithelial cells. As a result, the use of this juice has been investigated as a possible alternative to antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection. Through other studies done in this laboratory, the urinary glycoprotein Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) which functions to reduce adherence of bacteria to uroepithelial cells, has been shown to be altered or activated by consumption of CJC. Previous research has focused on the benefits of CJC treatment in primarily elderly populations. This study was designed to examine a larger population as well as several factors including sex, age, regular use of CJC and antibiotic use to determine which factors may influence the ability of CJC to activate THP. A total of 83% of participants showed reduced adherence of Escherichia coli to uroepithelial cells after ingesting CJC illustrating the strong antiadherence capabilities of the juice. This is in agreement with other research. The factors that seem to effect on CJC's ability to activate THP are sex of the individual, previous CJC consumption and antibiotic use. Age does not seem to play a critical role in younger population. Three subgroups were also seen in the population after one does of CJC: those who respond well, those who respond moderately, and those who do not respond. It may be possible to predict how well CJC treatment would work for an individual based on these profiles. Due to a lack of serious side effects and good acceptance by patients, treatment with CHC provides and alternative to antibiotic use.