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Amygdalin prevents multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced lung epithelial cell injury by regulating
Zhaolei Wang1, Haixia Du2, Haofang Wan3
1School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe bacterial pneumonia. Amygdalin is the main active pharmaceutical ingredient of bitter almond, which has broad-spectrum antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and immunomodulatory effects. It is also the main ingredient of Yinhua Pinggan granule, which is commonly used to moisten the lung and relieve cough. However, little is known about the effects of amygdalin on MRSA. In this study, we found that amygdalin exhibited good antimicrobial activity in vitro against MRSA. Amygdalin has a protective effect on MRSA infected cells, and the effect is better when combined with levofloxacin. It also can reduce the adhesion and invasion of MRSA to cells. Amygdalin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can significantly reduce the increase of inflammatory factors and the production of ROS caused by infection. The protective mechanism of amygdalin on cells may be related to inhibiting the expression of NLRP3, ASC and IL-1β pyroptosis pathways. Taken together, our study suggests that amygdalin exerts antibacterial effects by affecting biofilm formation, the expression of virulence factors, and drug resistance genes. Amygdalin combined with levofloxacin has a protective effect on A549 cells infected with MRSA, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory response, oxidative damage and pyroptosis.
Insights
Amygdalin, derived from bitter almonds, shows significant antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This natural compound protects cells from MRSA infection and enhances antibiotic efficacy, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of severe pneumonia.
- Amygdalin, from bitter almonds, possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The therapeutic potential of amygdalin against MRSA remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial and protective effects of amygdalin against MRSA in vitro.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of amygdalin's action on MRSA-infected cells.
- To evaluate the synergistic effect of amygdalin combined with levofloxacin.
Main Methods:
- In vitro antimicrobial assays against MRSA.
- Cell viability assays on MRSA-infected A549 cells.
- Analysis of inflammatory factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pyroptosis pathway markers (NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β).
- Assessment of MRSA biofilm formation and virulence factor expression.
Main Results:
- Amygdalin demonstrated significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against MRSA.
- Amygdalin protected MRSA-infected cells, with enhanced effects when combined with levofloxacin.
- Amygdalin reduced MRSA adhesion and invasion, inhibited inflammatory factors and ROS production.
- Mechanisms involved inhibition of NLRP3, ASC, and IL-1β pyroptosis pathways, affecting biofilm and virulence factors.
Conclusions:
- Amygdalin exhibits potent antibacterial effects against MRSA, impacting biofilm formation and virulence.
- Amygdalin, particularly in combination with levofloxacin, offers a protective effect against MRSA-induced cellular damage.
- Amygdalin's therapeutic potential lies in its ability to modulate inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis.
