Effects of allicin on the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofinm and the production of quorum-sensing controlled virulence factors.
The Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial pathogen is reputed for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, and this property is strongly associated with the development of biofilms. Bacterial biofilms form by aggregation of microorganisms on a solid surface and secretion of an extracellular polysaccharide substances that acts as a physical protection barrier for the encased bacteria. In addition, the P aeruginosa quorum-sensing system contributes to antibiotic resistance by regulating the expression of several virulence factors, including exotoxin A, elastase, pyoverdin and rhamnolipid. The organosulfur compound allicin, derived from garlic, has been shown to inhibit both surface-adherence of bacteria and production of virulence factors. In this study, the effects of allicin on P aeruginosa biofilm formation and the production of quorum-sensing controlled virulence factors were investigated. The results demonstrated that allicin could inhibit early bacterial adhesion, reduce EPS secretion, and down-regulate virulence factors' production. Collectively, these findings suggest the potential of allicin as a therapeutic agent for controlling P aeruginosa biofilm.
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
Lin
L
Lihua
Diagnostic and Treatment Center of Neonatology, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Wang
W
Jianhuit
Diagnostic and Treatment Center of Neonatology, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Yu
Y
Jialini
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
Li
L
Yayin
Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.
Liu
L
Guanxin
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D004220:Disulfides; D005737:Garlic / Q000737:chemistry; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000187:drug effects*; D013441:Sulfinic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004220:Disulfides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013441:Sulfinic Acids; D037521:Virulence Factors; C006452:allicin