The Interaction of N-Acetylcysteine and Serum Transferrin Promotes Bacterial Biofilm Formation

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry : International Journal of Experimental Cellular Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology
Supeng YinYizhi Peng

Abstract

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a novel and promising agent with activity against bacterial biofilms. Human serum also inhibits biofilm formation by some bacteria. We tested whether the combination of NAC and human serum offers greater anti-biofilm activity than either agent alone. Microtiter plate assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to evaluate bacterial biofilm formation in the presence of NAC and human serum. qPCR was used to examine expression of selected biofilm-associated genes. Extracellular matrix (ECM) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The antioxidants GSH or ascorbic acid were used to replace NAC, and human transferrin, lactoferrin, or bovine serum albumin were used to replace serum proteins in biofilm formation assays. A rat central venous catheter model was developed to evaluate the effect of NAC on biofilm formation in vivo. NAC and serum together increased biofilm formation by seven different bacterial strains. In Staphylococcus aureus, expression of genes for some global regulators and for genes in the ica-dependent pathway increased markedly. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, transcription of las, the PQS quorum sensing (QS) systems, and the two-component system GacS/GacA increased signifi...Continue Reading

Citations

Oct 10, 2018·Analytical Sciences : the International Journal of the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry·Qiang ZouJia Zheng
Jun 19, 2019·Microbial Drug Resistance : MDR : Mechanisms, Epidemiology, and Disease·Yuanna ShenHaiyan Hu
Apr 27, 2019·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Dorota KregielAnna Kowalewska
Mar 20, 2021·Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine·Celine Vidaillac, Sanjay H Chotirmall
Jun 3, 2021·Journal of Functional Biomaterials·Astrid H Paulitsch-FuchsBirgit Lohberger

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