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Updated: Sep 17, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Glucomannan enhanced the macrophage activity in exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA):
Melika Khanzadeh Tehrani1, Mohammad Hossein Yazdi2, Mohammad Reza Pourmand1,3
1Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background And Objectives:
The increasing number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus persuade the need for preventive measures. Glucomannan is a polysaccharide choice for developing immunological strategies. This study aimed to investigate changes in gene expression and phagocytic activity of macrophage cells in the presence of glucomannan.
Materials And Methods:
The effect of different concentrations of glucomannan (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells was measured using the colony count method. The expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) genes was evaluated by Real-Time PCR.
Results:
The concentrations of glucomannan significantly reduced the bacterial Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) and increased the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells. The maximum effect of glucomannan on iNOS and TNF-A genes expression was 100 μg/mL.
Conclusion:
Glucomannan should be considered an adjuvant that stimulates the immune system. It may increase the expression of TNF-α and iNOS genes and the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Insights
Glucomannan enhances macrophage activity against MRSA. This polysaccharide boosts immune response by increasing phagocytosis and gene expression of TNF-α and iNOS, offering a potential adjuvant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing public health threat, necessitating novel preventive strategies.
- Glucomannan, a polysaccharide, is explored for its potential in developing immunological interventions.
- Macrophage cells play a crucial role in the immune response against bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of glucomannan on macrophage phagocytic activity.
- To analyze the effect of glucomannan on the gene expression of key immune markers, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS).
Main Methods:
- Macrophage cells were treated with varying concentrations of glucomannan (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL).
- Phagocytic activity was quantified using the colony count method.
- Gene expression levels of TNF-α and iNOS were determined via Real-Time PCR.
Main Results:
- Glucomannan significantly reduced bacterial Colony-Forming Units (CFU).
- Increased phagocytic activity of macrophage cells was observed in the presence of glucomannan.
- The highest observed effect on iNOS and TNF-α gene expression occurred at a glucomannan concentration of 100 μg/mL.
Conclusions:
- Glucomannan demonstrates potential as an immune-stimulating adjuvant.
- It enhances macrophage phagocytic capacity against MRSA.
- Glucomannan upregulates the expression of TNF-α and iNOS genes, contributing to an improved immune defense.
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