Linolenic acid-metronidazole inhibits the growth of through oxidation.

BACKGROUND

Resistance to antibiotics is one the main factors constraining the treatment and control of () infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial agents to replace antibiotics. Our previous study found that linolenic acid-metronidazole (Lla-Met) has a good antibacterial effect against both antibiotic-resistant and sensitive . Also, does not develop resistance to Lla-Met. Therefore, it could be used for preparing broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. However, since the antibacterial mechanism of Lla-Met is not well understood, we explored this phenomenon in the present study.

AIM

To understand the antimicrobial effect of Lla-Met and how this could be applied in treating corresponding infections.

METHODS

cells were treated with the Lla-Met compound, and the effect of the compound on the cell morphology, cell membrane permeability, and oxidation of the bacteria cell was assessed. Meanwhile, the differently expressed genes in in response to Lla-Met treatment were identified.

RESULTS

Lla-Met treatment induced several changes in cells, including roughening and swelling. experiments revealed that Lla-Met induced oxidation, DNA fragmentation, and phosphatidylserine ectropionation in cells. Inhibiting Lla-Met with L-cysteine abrogated the above phenomena. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Lla-Met treatment up-regulated the expression of superoxide dismutase and genes, both anti-oxidation-related genes.

CONCLUSION

Lla-Met kills mainly by inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, phosphatidylserine ectropionation, and changes on cell morphology.