Targeting polyelectrolyte networks in purulent body fluids to modulate bactericidal properties of some antibiotics.
Bucki. Robert R; Durnaś. Bonita B; Wątek. Marzena M; Piktel. Ewelina E; Cruz. Katrina K; Wolak. Przemysław P; Savage. Paul B PB; Janmey. Paul A PA
Key Findings
- Neutrophil‑derived DNA and F‑actin create negatively charged networks in pus that hinder cationic antibiotics and LL‑37.
- Adding DNA‑degrading or actin‑depolymerizing agents (DNase 1, plasma gelsolin, poly‑aspartic acid) disrupts these networks.
- Disruption of the DNA/F‑actin mesh significantly boosts the bactericidal activity of several tested antibiotics.
Practical Outcomes
- If you’re treating a bacterial infection, especially one with thick pus, consider using an FDA‑approved DNase product (e.g., Pulmozyme) or other safe depolymerizing agents alongside your antibiotics to improve their effectiveness. This approach is most relevant for acute infection management rather than routine longevity or performance protocols.
Summary
The study shows that the sticky DNA and actin nets that form in pus can trap positively‑charged antibiotics and the natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37, reducing their killing power. Breaking down these nets with enzymes like DNase 1, gelsolin, or even simple poly‑aspartic acid makes many antibiotics work better against bacteria.
Abstract
The response of the human immune system to most bacterial infections results in accumulation of neutrophils at infection sites that release a significant quantity of DNA and F-actin. Both are negatively charged polyelectrolytes that can interact with positively charged host defense molecules such as cathelicidin-delivered LL-37 peptide or other cationic antibiotic agents. Evaluation of the ability of bacterial outgrowth (using luminescence measurements or counting colony-forming units) to form a biofilm (quantified by crystal violet staining) and analysis of the structure of DNA/F-actin network by optical microscopy in human pus samples treated with different antibiotics in combination with plasma gelsolin, DNAse 1, and/or poly-aspartic acid revealed that bactericidal activity of most tested antibacterial agents increases in the presence of DNA/F-actin depolymerizing factors.
Study Information
pubmed
2018
2018-01-11T00:00:00.000Z
10.2147/idr.s145337