Figure 3.

Inhibition of UPEC adhesion molecules by cranberry active ingredients (PAC and fructose) and D-mannose. UPEC associated with UTI commonly expresses two adhesion molecules Type P and Type 1 pilli. Type P pilli contain the adhesin molecule PapG on the tip. Proanthocyanidin (PAC) binds to this molecule and inhibits UPEC adhesion to the epithelial cells that line the urinary tract. Type 1 pilus ends with a FimH adhesin molecule at the tip which usually binds to highly N-mannosylated uroplakin proteins which are abundantly expressed on the apical surface of the urothelium. Fructose and D-mannose bind to the FimH residues thus reducing bacterial adhesion to the urothelium.