Distinct temporal profiles of AMPs and cytokines in pleural fluids from open and closed thoracic surgeries and exploration of synergy with antibiotics and wound healing effects.
Tok. Kerem K; Gürsoy. Dilara D; Moulahoum. Hichem H; Aksu. Didem D; Memmedov. Rza R; Ghorbanizamani. Faezeh F; Akcam. Tevfik Ilker TI; Timur. Suna S; Zihnioglu. Figen F; Turhan. Kutsal K
Key Findings
- Open‑chest surgery produced higher levels of the AMP DEF‑1β, while minimally invasive (closed) surgery raised Angiogenin levels.
- Pleural fluid containing LL‑37 showed strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, and this activity was boosted when mixed with cefazolin.
- Wound‑healing assays showed rapid but short‑lived cell migration with fluid from open surgery, whereas fluid from closed surgery supported a more sustained healing response.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers interested in boosting immunity or wound repair, the data suggest that LL‑37 can act synergistically with standard antibiotics, so co‑administering a LL‑37‑rich peptide (topical or inhaled) might enhance infection control. The findings also hint that LL‑37 could be explored as a topical adjunct for faster wound closure, especially in settings where antibiotics are already used. However, the study is based on post‑surgical pleural fluid, so direct dosing guidelines are not provided and further safety testing would be needed before personal use.
Summary
The study looked at how the natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37 (and a few other AMPs) shows up in the fluid around the lungs after different kinds of chest surgery. It found that the fluid can kill bacteria on its own and works even better when combined with a common antibiotic, cefazolin. The fluid also helped skin cells heal wounds, with slightly different patterns depending on the surgery type.
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a crucial role in immune defense and wound healing. Their expression and function in pleural fluids following different thoracic surgeries remain underexplored. This study aims to compare AMP and cytokine profiles in pleural fluids from patients undergoing open and closed thoracic surgeries and assess their antimicrobial efficacy and wound healing potential. Pleural fluid and blood samples were collected from 24 patients at multiple time points post-surgery. Levels of four AMPs (DEF-1β, Angiogenin, RNase7, LL-37) and five cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) were measured. Antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was tested, including combinations with cefazolin. Wound healing was assessed using an in vitro scratch assay. DEF-1β was significantly higher in open surgeries, while Angiogenin was elevated in closed surgeries. Pleural fluids exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, enhanced when combined with cefazolin. Wound healing was rapid but transient with open surgery fluids and more sustained with closed surgery fluids. The distinct AMP profiles and synergistic effects with antibiotics suggest that pleural fluid-derived AMPs could enhance postoperative care. Further studies are needed to explore their therapeutic potential.
Study Information
pubmed
2025
2025-04-21T00:00:00.000Z
10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107626
46