Antibiofilm Activity of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Its Influence on the Expression of Biofilm Formation Genes on Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Background: Currently, 1–2% of all prosthetic joint surgeries are followed by an infection. These infections cause approximately 4% of deaths in the first year after surgery, while the 5-year mortality rate is up to 21%. Prosthetic joint infections are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermis strains. Both species share the capability of biofilm formation and methicillin resistance. The formation of biofilm helps bacterial cells to withstand critical environmental conditions. Due to their tolerance against antibacterial substances, biofilms are a significant problem in modern medicine. Alternatives for the use of methicillin as a therapeutic are not yet widespread. The use of omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, may help against prosthetic joint infections and lower mortality rates. The aim of this study is to evaluate if docosahexaenoic acid offers a safe anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA without enhancing icaADBC-dependent biofilm formation or additional stress responses, therefore enhancing antibiotic tolerance and resistance. Methods: In this study, we examined the gene expression of biofilm-associated genes and regulators. We performed RT-qPCR after RNA extraction of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and one clinical MRSA strain. We compared gene expression of icaADBC, SarA, SigB, and agrAC under the influence of 1.25 mg /L and 0.625 mg/L of docosahexaenoic acid to their controls. Results: We found a higher expression of regulatory genes such as SarA, SigB, agrA, and agrC at 1.25 mg/L of docosahexaenoic acid in ATCC 29213 and a lower increase in gene expression levels in clinical MRSA isolates. icaADBC was not affected in both strains at both concentration levels by docosahexaenoic acid. Conclusions: Docosahexaenoic acid does not enhance icaADBC-dependent biofilm formation while still reducing bacterial CFU in biofilms. Docosahexaenoic acid can be considered an option as a therapeutic substance against biofilm formation and may be a good alternative in reducing the risk of MRSA formation.

Acellular fish skin grafts in the treatment of diabetic wounds: Advantages and clinical translation

“…19 Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids can reduce the gene expression of Staphylococcus aureus. 20 At present, research on AFSG in the treatment of diabetic wounds has not explored its antibacterial role. Although most of the mentioned studies are limited to the antiinfection test in artificial joint surgery, they are all based on the activity of omega-3, so we can assume that AFSG can indeed play a more significant antibacterial effect.…”

“…They calculated that 5–0.625 mg/L EPA could completely kill hemolytic streptococcus, and the same concentration of DHA also showed stronger activity 19 . Omega‐3 unsaturated fatty acids can reduce the gene expression of Staphylococcus aureus 20 . At present, research on AFSG in the treatment of diabetic wounds has not explored its antibacterial role.…”

High levels of biofilm formation and prevalence of biofilm-associated genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food handlers in Brazil

“…In general, bio lm has been considered an important virulence factor for microorganisms, since the expression of this extracellular multilayer can be described as a protective function for bacterial cells, becoming more resistant to stress conditions, including antimicrobial, disinfectants and the host immune system (Paharik and Horswill 2016;Spiegel et al 2022). It is important to mention that the e cient establishment of bio lm on surfaces favors the permanence and transmission of pathogenic bacteria from food and kitchens have been a concern place of S. aureus strains, adhering to equipment and utensils used to prepare food (Tang et al 2013).…”