A nanoparticle-based sonodynamic therapy reduces Helicobacter pylori infection in mouse without disrupting gut
Tao Liu1,2,3, Shuang Chai1,2,3, Mingyang Li1,2,3
1Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
Abstract:
Infection by Helicobacter pylori, a prevalent global pathogen, currently requires antibiotic-based treatments, which often lead to antimicrobial resistance and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Here, we develop a non-antibiotic approach using sonodynamic therapy mediated by a lecithin bilayer-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic) nanoparticle preloaded with verteporfin, Ver-PLGA@Lecithin, in conjunction with localized ultrasound exposure of a dosage permissible for ultrasound medical devices. This study reveals dual functionality of Ver-PLGA@Lecithin. It effectively neutralizes vacuolating cytotoxin A, a key virulence factor secreted by H. pylori, even in the absence of ultrasound. When coupled with ultrasound exposure, it inactivates H. pylori by generating reactive oxygen species, offering a potential solution to overcome antimicrobial resistance. In female mouse models bearing H. pylori infection, this sonodynamic therapy performs comparably to the standard triple therapy in reducing gastric infection. Significantly, unlike the antibiotic treatments, the sonodynamic therapy does not negatively disrupt gut microbiota, with the only major impact being upregulation of Lactobacillus, which is a bacterium widely used in yogurt products and probiotics. This study presents a promising alternative to the current antibiotic-based therapies for H. pylori infection, offering a reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance and minimal disturbance to the gut microbiota.
Insights
A novel non-antibiotic sonodynamic therapy using verteporfin-loaded nanoparticles effectively treats Helicobacter pylori infection. This approach overcomes antimicrobial resistance and preserves beneficial gut microbiota, unlike traditional antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection is a global health concern requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Current therapies face challenges of antimicrobial resistance and gut dysbiosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-antibiotic sonodynamic therapy for H. pylori infection.
- To evaluate the efficacy and microbiota impact of the novel treatment.
Main Methods:
- Developed lecithin bilayer-coated nanoparticles (Ver-PLGA@Lecithin) loaded with verteporfin.
- Utilized localized ultrasound exposure for sonodynamic therapy.
- Assessed treatment efficacy in H. pylori-infected mouse models.
Main Results:
- Ver-PLGA@Lecithin neutralized H. pylori virulence factors and inactivated bacteria via reactive oxygen species generation with ultrasound.
- Sonodynamic therapy showed comparable efficacy to standard triple therapy in reducing gastric infection.
- Unlike antibiotics, this therapy did not disrupt gut microbiota, promoting Lactobacillus growth.
Conclusions:
- Sonodynamic therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotics for H. pylori.
- This approach mitigates antimicrobial resistance and preserves gut microbiota balance.
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