Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: March 7, 2025
The effect of three urease inhibitors on H. pylori viability, urease activity and urease gene expression
Hanaa Shaalan1, Maya Azrad2, Avi Peretz1,2
1The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
Background:
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections is challenged by antibiotic resistance. The urease enzyme contributes to H. pylori colonization in the gastric acidic environment by producing a neutral microenvironment. We hypothesized that urease inhibition could affect H. pylori viability. This work aimed to assess the effects of acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), ebselen and baicalin on urease activity, bacterial viability and urease genes expression in H. pylori isolates.
Methods:
Forty-nine H. pylori clinical isolates were collected. Urease activity was assessed using the phenol red method. The urease inhibition assay assessed inhibitors' effects on urease activity. Flow cytometry assessed the effect of inhibitors on bacterial viability. Real time PCR was used to compare urease genes expression levels following urease inhibition.
Results:
Urease activity levels differed between isolates. Acetohydroxamic acid inhibited urease activity at a concentration of 2.5 mM. Although baicalin inhibited urease activity at lower concentrations, major effects were seen at 8 mM. Ebselen's major inhibition was demonstrated at 0.06 mM. Baicalin (8 mM) significantly reduced ATP production compared to untreated isolates. Baicalin, ebselen and acetohydroxamic acid significantly reduced H. pylori viability. Increased urease genes expression was detected after exposure to all urease inhibitors.
Discussion:
In conclusion, higher concentrations of baicalin were needed to inhibit urease activity, compared to acetohydroxamic acid and ebselen. Baicalin, ebselen and acetohydroxamic acid reduced H. pylori viability. Therefore, these inhibitors should be further investigated as alternative treatments for H. pylori infection.
Insights
Acetohydroxamic acid, ebselen, and baicalin show potential in combating antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori infections by inhibiting urease activity and reducing bacterial viability. Further research is recommended for these alternative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge for treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.
- The urease enzyme is crucial for H. pylori survival in the stomach by neutralizing acid.
- Inhibiting urease may be a viable strategy to combat H. pylori.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), ebselen, and baicalin in inhibiting urease activity.
- To assess the impact of these compounds on H. pylori viability and urease gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Phenol red method for urease activity assessment.
- Flow cytometry for bacterial viability analysis.
- Real-time PCR for urease gene expression studies.
Main Results:
- AHA, ebselen, and baicalin demonstrated significant inhibition of H. pylori urease activity at varying concentrations.
- All tested compounds reduced H. pylori viability, with baicalin notably decreasing ATP production.
- Exposure to urease inhibitors led to increased expression of urease genes.
Conclusions:
- Acetohydroxamic acid and ebselen were more potent urease inhibitors than baicalin at lower concentrations.
- Baicalin, ebselen, and AHA effectively reduced H. pylori viability.
- These compounds represent promising candidates for novel H. pylori treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness