Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are increasing, while the number of types of antibiotics under development is decreasing. Now, the research group of Prof. Ariel Kushmaro from the Biotechnology Engineering Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and partners from India have decided to focus on molecules from long pepper as a natural source of antibiotics, known in traditional medicine to help treat a variety of diseases
The long pepper, a relative of the black pepper, is known to produce organic compounds that provide protection against bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause disease in humans and animals. Research group led Prof. Ariel Kushmaro and Prof. Yaakov Goffs from Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, created a chemically modified molecule, PL-18, which is actually derived from the long pepper that causes the disruption of chemical communication between bacteria. The piperlongomin, the active ingredient of the long pepper, is the basis of the new molecule PL-18 that disrupts the communication between the bacteria.
"Our findings indicate that the new molecule PL-18 can be used as an effective weapon in the fight against antibiotic resistance and is a new generation of communication disrupting substances to fight against disease-causing bacteria," she said. Yael Schlichter is holy, the leader of the research.''
During the study, 16 different derivatives of the source molecule - piperlongomine were tested, with the most active and promising molecule being called PL-18. The study included four main stages to understand the effect of the molecule on the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The four steps were: genetic analysis to test gene expression in the presence of the molecule, verifying the results using RT-qPCR measuring the level of the c-di-GMP molecule in bacteria, and testing the effect of PL-18 on the formation of the biofilm of the bacteria that control the concentration of bacteria.
The results showed that a combination of PL-18 was the best in dealing with the bacteria, the chemical derivative was found to be effective as a treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections because it significantly reduced their virulence and disrupted the biofilm that protects them. In addition, this derivative reduced the absorption of iron by the bacteria, which is an essential element for their survival and is also defined as an important factor affecting the violence of disease-causing bacteria.
"PL-18's ability to inhibit communication between bacteria, to reduce bacterial violence, makes it a valuable tool for developing new drugs and may even change the face of medicine in the future." explains Prof. Kushmaro. "This is a substance that can be used as a model for future treatment of bacteria in an intelligent way and as a replacement for antibiotics that are currently in use."
The research group included Prof. Ariel Kushmaro, Yael Schlichter Kadosh, Khairon Nissa, Prof. Anat Ben-Zvi, Danish Lisa Karsagi Biron, and Prof. Jacob Goffs from Ben Gurion University of the Negev. In addition, Dr. Alexander Brandi, Dr. Tabi Mehlman from the Weizmann Institute of Science and Dr. Rajendra Sarvana and Dr. Sober Mani Mottram from the Vellore Institute of Technology in India participated.
Researcher Yael Schlichter Kadosh was supported by the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology, and the research was partially supported by the Abram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Foundation.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
Comments
So it is true what the Rambam said. Everything that leads to one thing is harmful to another thing except long pepper and garlic which are good for everyone.
And maybe we'll just start using bacteriophages? (viruses that attack bacteria). While it will be necessary to find a bacteriophage for each and every bacterium, this may be the best solution. At least in severe cases, such as antibiotic-resistant strains, or malaria.
all due respect. very important