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Magnolol attenuates macrophage pyroptosis triggered by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus
Yuxuan Liu1, Meijun Lu1, Qian Sun1
1School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China.
Abstract:
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen that causes life-threatening infections and various diseases such as meningitis, endocarditis and pneumonia. With the use of antibiotics being severely restricted in the international community, an alternative to antibiotics is urgently needed against bacterial. In the present study, the herbal extract magnolol protected mice against SEZ infection, reflected by increased survival rate and reduced bacterial burden. A pro-inflammatory form of cell death occurred in SEZ-infected macrophage. Magnolol downregulated the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and reduced the formation of cell membrane pores in infected macrophages to suppress the development of subsequent inflammation. We further demonstrated that magnolol directly suppressed SEZ-induced macrophage pyroptosis, which partially protected macrophages from SEZ infection. Our study revealed that magnolol suppressed inflammation and protected mice against SEZ infection, providing a possible treatment for SEZ infection.
Insights
The herbal extract magnolol shows promise as an alternative treatment for Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) infections. Magnolol reduced inflammation and protected mice against SEZ by suppressing pyroptosis in macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic pathogen causing severe infections.
- Antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative treatments for SEZ infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of magnolol against SEZ infection.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which magnolol mitigates SEZ-induced inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with SEZ and treated with magnolol.
- Macrophage pyroptosis and inflammatory markers were analyzed.
- Bacterial burden and survival rates were assessed.
Main Results:
- Magnolol significantly increased survival rates and reduced bacterial load in infected mice.
- Magnolol downregulated pyroptosis-related proteins in SEZ-infected macrophages.
- Magnolol inhibited pyroptosis and subsequent inflammation in macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Magnolol demonstrates therapeutic potential against SEZ infection.
- Magnolol's anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic properties offer a novel treatment strategy for SEZ.
- Magnolol provides a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating SEZ infections.
