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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
Oral supplementation of trans-cinnamaldehyde reduces uropathogenic Escherichia coli colonization in a mouse model
A Narayanan1, M S Muyyarikkandy2, S Mooyottu2
1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
Abstract:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the United States result in more than 7 million hospital visits per year. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is responsible for more than 80% of UTIs. Although antibiotics are the drug of choice to control UTIs, their repeated use has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant UPEC. Thus, there is a need for effective alternate strategies to control UPEC infections. This study investigated the efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), a food-grade molecule present in cinnamon, in reducing UPEC colonization and pathogenesis in the lower UTI. Female C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were fed ad libitum with 0, 0·1, 0·2 and 0·4% TC containing mouse chow for 10 days. Following TC supplementation, animals were experimentally infected with UPEC by transurethral catheterization. Mice were euthanized on days 1, 2 and 4 postinfection, and the bladder, urethra and urine were collected for bacterial enumeration. Prophylactic TC supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0·05) reduced UPEC colonization in the urinary bladder and urethra compared to the control. Results indicate that TC could potentially be used as an oral supplement to control UPEC-associated lower UTIs, however, follow-up clinical trials are warranted.
Significance And Impact Of The Study:
In this study, we have demonstrated that oral supplementation of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) reduced uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-associated lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in mice. Specifically, in-feed supplementation of TC significantly decreased UPEC populations in the urethra and bladder, thereby reducing the infectious load. These findings are particularly significant given the increase in incidence and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Our study offers new insights into the potential use of natural antimicrobials including TC, the active ingredient in cinnamon, as a nonantibiotic-based natural dietary intervention in the prophylaxis of lower UTIs.
Insights
Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), derived from cinnamon, effectively reduced uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in mouse lower urinary tract infections. This natural compound shows promise as a non-antibiotic strategy for preventing UTIs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause millions of U.S. hospital visits annually.
- Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the primary cause of UTIs.
- Antibiotic resistance in UPEC necessitates alternative treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) in combating UPEC.
- To evaluate TC as a potential prophylactic agent against lower UTIs.
Main Methods:
- Female mice were fed diets supplemented with varying concentrations of TC (0, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%) for 10 days.
- Mice were experimentally infected with UPEC via transurethral catheterization.
- Bacterial counts in the bladder, urethra, and urine were assessed post-infection.
Main Results:
- Prophylactic TC supplementation significantly reduced UPEC colonization in the bladder and urethra.
- A dose-dependent reduction in bacterial load was observed with TC treatment.
- TC demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against UPEC in a murine UTI model.
Conclusions:
- Oral TC supplementation is effective in reducing UPEC colonization in lower UTIs.
- TC presents a viable natural, non-antibiotic alternative for UTI prophylaxis.
- Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm TC's efficacy in humans.
