Phytoestrogen genistein as an anti-staphylococcal agent
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Margareta Verdrengh1, L Vincent Collins, Philip Bergin
1Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Göteborg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, 413 46, Gothenburg, Sweden. margareta.verdrengh@rheuma.gu.se
Abstract:
The soybean-derived isoflavone genistein has been shown to exert beneficial effects on many disorders, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The effects of genistein on mammalian cells are mediated by its abilities to inhibit topoisomerase II and protein tyrosine kinase. In order to examine the potential antibacterial activities of genistein, we incubated the bacteria with various concentrations of this compound for different periods of time and assessed the viable counts. Exposure to genistein exhibited an inhibitory effect on all staphylococcal strains tested, including methicillin-resistant strains. Furthermore, the growth of Streptococcus pasteurianus, Bacillus cereus, and Helicobacter pylori was clearly inhibited by genistein, whereas Escherichia coli growth was not suppressed. Daidzein, which is structurally similar to genistein, but deficient in topoisomerase II inhibitory activity, also inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, albeit with lower potency than genistein. Our results indicate that genistein exerts potent antibacterial properties in vitro, which are possibly mediated by the stabilization of the covalent topoisomerase II-DNA cleavage complex.
Insights
Genistein, a soy isoflavone, shows strong antibacterial effects against various bacteria, including resistant strains. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting topoisomerase II, offering potential for new antibacterial therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Genistein, a soybean isoflavone, has known effects on mammalian cells via topoisomerase II and protein tyrosine kinase inhibition.
- Its potential antibacterial properties remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of genistein against various bacterial strains.
- To explore the potential mechanism of genistein's antibacterial action.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial strains were incubated with varying concentrations of genistein for different durations.
- Viable bacterial counts were assessed to determine growth inhibition.
- Daidzein, a related compound, was used for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Genistein inhibited the growth of all tested staphylococcal strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Significant growth inhibition was observed for Streptococcus pasteurianus, Bacillus cereus, and Helicobacter pylori.
- Escherichia coli growth was not suppressed by genistein.
- Daidzein showed weaker inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus compared to genistein.
Conclusions:
- Genistein possesses potent in vitro antibacterial properties.
- The antibacterial activity may be linked to the inhibition of topoisomerase II, potentially by stabilizing the enzyme-DNA complex.
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