Mechanism of the Inhibitory Action of Linoleic Acid on the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Linoleic acid, but not stearic acid, inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325. Growth inhibition was associated with an increase in the Permeability of the bacterial membrane. The presence of a plasmid conferring resistance to penicillin (PC plasmid, e.g. p1258blaI-) increased the growth inhibitory and membrane permeability effects of linoleic acid. Under growth inhibitory conditions, linoleic acid was incorporated into the lipid of both PC plasmid-containing and PC plasmid-negative bacteria and there was little difference between these cultures in the uptake or fate of linoleic acid. Experiments using a glycerol auxotroph of S. aureus suggested that free linoleic acid, rather than lipid containing this acid, inhibits growth. Linoleic acid probably inhibits growth by increasing the permeability of the bacterial membrane as a result of its surfactant action, and the presence of the PC plasmid increases these effects.

In vitro activity, extraction, separation and structure elucidation of antibiotic produced by Streptomyces anulatus NEAE-94 active against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

“…In humans and mice, these two 16-carbon monounsaturated fatty acids block the growth of S. aureus in the skin [29][30][31]. It has been hypothesized that fatty acids act by destabilizing the lipid bilayers of the bacterial membrane and disrupting the membrane functions [32] due to a range of effects on cellular metabolism [33][34][35][36][37][38].…”

Utilização dos ácidos graxos no tratamento de feridas: uma revisão integrativa da literatura nacional

“…This fact is not surprising, as other authors (1,8) have already pointed out this issue, despite this substance being widely used in Brazil for the prevention and treatment of wounds.…”

“…It favors autolytic debridement in the wound bed because it contributes to the production of metalloproteins, inducing granulation and accelerating the healing process. It has been observed that LA is capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, affecting protein synthesis, cell wall, nucleic acids, and cellular membranes during cell division (8)(9)(10)(11) .…”

Effect of a combination of medium chain triglycerides, linoleic acid, soy lecithin and vitamins A and E on wound healing in rats

“…It has been observed that linoleic acid is capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus by altering its protein synthesis, cell wall, nucleic acids and cell membrane during division 11 .…”