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Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract Alleviates Inflammation in Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia
Hui-Yu Lee1, Chun-Chia Chen2, Chia-Chen Pi2
1Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae, also known as koji mold, has been used for centuries in the production of fermented foods in East Asia. A. oryzae fermentation can produce enzymes and metabolites with various bioactivities. In this study, we investigated whether A. oryzae fermentation extract (AOFE) has any effect on Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) pneumonia. We performed solid-state fermentation of A. oryzae and obtained the ethanol extract. AOFE was analyzed by HPLC, and the major component was identified to be kojic acid. In vitro, AOFE suppressed Mp growth and invasion into A549 lung epithelial cells as determined by the gentamicin protection assay. AOFE treatment also suppressed Mp-stimulated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 at mRNA and protein levels in murine MH-S alveolar macrophages. In a mouse model of Mp pneumonia, Mp infection induced a marked pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils, which was significantly reduced in mice pre-treated orally with AOFE. AOFE administration also suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the lungs. Collectively, our results show that AOFE has the potential to be developed into a preventive/therapeutic agent for Mp pneumonia.
Insights
Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (AOFE) effectively combats Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. AOFE inhibits bacterial growth, invasion, and reduces lung inflammation, showing potential as a therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aspergillus oryzae (koji mold) is used in East Asian fermented foods.
- Its fermentation produces bioactive enzymes and metabolites.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes pneumonia, a significant respiratory illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (AOFE) on Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) pneumonia.
- To determine if AOFE can suppress Mp growth, invasion, and associated inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state fermentation of Aspergillus oryzae to obtain ethanol extract (AOFE).
- HPLC analysis identified kojic acid as the major component of AOFE.
- In vitro assays (gentamicin protection) and in vivo mouse models were used to assess AOFE's efficacy.
Main Results:
- AOFE suppressed Mp growth and invasion into lung epithelial cells.
- AOFE reduced Mp-stimulated production of TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages.
- AOFE treatment decreased neutrophil infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in a mouse model of Mp pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- AOFE demonstrates significant anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae activity.
- AOFE exhibits immunomodulatory effects, reducing lung inflammation.
- AOFE holds potential as a preventive or therapeutic agent for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
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