Baicalin protects mice from infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus via alleviating inflammatory response

Abstract

Sepsis was redefined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection in 2016. One of its most common causes is Staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which leads to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Therefore, innovative and effective approaches to combat MRSA infection are urgently needed. Recently, host-directed therapy (HDT) has become a new strategy in the treatment of infectious diseases, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Baicalin (BAI) is the predominant flavonoid and bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin), a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been reported that BAI exhibits multiple biological properties such as anti-oxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the therapeutic role of BAI in MRSA infection is still unknown. In this study, it is found that BAI treatment inhibited the production of IL-6, TNF-, and other cytokines from MRSA-or bacterial mimics-stimulated M s and dendritic cells (DCs). BAI played an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting the activation of ERK, JNK MAPK, and NF-B pathways. Moreover, the serum level of TNFwas decreased, whereas IL-10 was increased, in mice injected with MRSA. Furthermore, the bacterial load in livers and kidneys were further decreased by the combination of BAI and vancomycin (VAN), which might account for the amelioration of tissue damage. BAI reduced the high mortality rate caused by MRSA infection. Collectively, the results suggested that BAI may be a viable candidate of HDT strategy against severe sepsis caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.

Supplementation With Chinese Medicinal Plant Extracts From Lonicera hypoglauca and Scutellaria baicalensis Mitigates Colonic Inflammation by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota in a Colitis Mouse Model

“…Flavonoid-enriched extract from S. baicalensis root (FESR) modulated the inflammatory responses by increasing the level of IL-10 in influenza A virus-induced acute lung injury in mice, which was speculated to be due to BA, the most abundant compound in FESR ( Zhi et al, 2019 ). In addition, BA, the major ingredient of S. baicalensis , could inhibit the production of IL-6 and TNF-α but increase the level of IL-10 in serum after methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-stimulated inflammatory response in mice ( Shi et al, 2020 ). Similarly, in the present study, we also found that the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in DSS-induced colitis, while LSE supplementation could decrease these inflammatory cytokines.…”

Baicalin ameliorates APEC-induced intestinal injury in chicks by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway

“…In recent years, the application of functional additives in intestinal health care and disease control has been a research focus worldwide. BA is a flavonoid compound isolated from medicinal plants such as Scutellaria baicalensis ( Shi et al, 2020 ). Numerous studies have shown that BA has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects on the lung, uterus, and other organs ( Zhang et al, 2015 ; Liu et al, 2020 ).…”

Geraniol, a Potential Alternative to Antibiotics for Bovine Mastitis Treatment Without Disturbing the Host Microbial Community, Does Not Lead to Drug Residues or Induce Drug Resistance

“…such as inhibiting or killing the pathogenic bacteria [72,73] (usually not as good as antibiotics), immune regulation [74,75], and anti-in ammatory activity [76]. Therefore, geraniol demonstrated a better mastitis cure rate with a longer course of treatment.…”

“…This slow action is probably related to the characteristics of TCM. The compound kills the pathogenic bacteria directly and inhibits the pathogenic bacteria through immune regulation [75], anti-endotoxin [80], and antiin ammatory action [76]. Together, these observations suggest that geraniol can be used to treat cow mastitis more mildly.…”

“…However, geraniol took longer to cure the dairy cows with clinical mastitis, indicating the difference in the mechanism of action between traditional Chinese medicine and antibiotics. Generally, antibiotics act against infectious diseases by directly killing the pathogenic bacteria, whereas the traditional Chinese medicines demonstrate anti-infectious properties via comprehensive action [71], such as inhibiting or killing the pathogenic bacteria [72,73] (usually not as good as antibiotics), immune regulation [74,75], and anti-in ammatory activity [76]. Therefore, geraniol demonstrated a better mastitis cure rate with a longer course of treatment.…”