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Published on: June 20, 2011
The reducing antioxidant capacity of Mycoplasma fermentans
Amichai Yavlovich1, Ron Kohen, Isaac Ginsburg
1Department of Membrane and Ultrastructure Research, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma fermentans is an extracellular microorganism capable of adhering to the surface of host cells. It has been recently shown that plasminogen binding to M. fermentans in the presence of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator promotes the invasion of host cells by this organism. In this report, we show that viable mycoplasmas persist within the infected HeLa cells for prolonged periods of time despite the expectation that within host cells the organism may be exposed to oxidative stress. Using cyclic voltammetry and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assays, we detected a potent reducing antioxidant activity in M. fermentans. The reducing antioxidant activity was heat stable, not affected by proteolysis and was almost totally lost upon dialysis suggesting that the activity is due to a nonproteinaceus low molecular weight antioxidant. This antioxidant was partially purified by Bio-Gel column chromatography followed by high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis. We suggest that the high reducing antioxidant capacity in M. fermentans is a principal defense mechanism playing a major role in the battle of the organism against oxidative stress within the host cells.
Insights
Mycoplasma fermentans possesses a potent antioxidant to survive host cell oxidative stress. This heat-stable, low molecular weight antioxidant is crucial for the microorganism
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mycoplasma fermentans is an extracellular pathogen that adheres to host cells.
- Host cell invasion by M. fermentans is facilitated by plasminogen binding and urokinase-type plasminogen activator.
- Intracellular survival of M. fermentans is challenged by host cell oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival mechanisms of M. fermentans within host cells.
- To identify and characterize antioxidant activities in M. fermentans.
- To elucidate the role of antioxidants in combating oxidative stress during intracellular persistence.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic voltammetry and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assays were employed to detect antioxidant activity.
- Stability assays (heat, proteolysis) and dialysis were performed to characterize the antioxidant.
- Partial purification of the antioxidant was achieved using Bio-Gel column chromatography and HPLC.
Main Results:
- A potent reducing antioxidant activity was detected in M. fermentans.
- The antioxidant activity was heat-stable, resistant to proteolysis, and dependent on a low molecular weight, non-proteinaceous component.
- Partial purification identified the antioxidant, suggesting its role in intracellular survival.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma fermentans possesses a robust antioxidant defense mechanism.
- This antioxidant activity, attributed to a low molecular weight compound, is critical for the microorganism's survival against host-induced oxidative stress.
- The findings highlight a key factor enabling M. fermentans to persist within infected host cells.
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