Butyrate protects against MRSA pneumonia via regulating gut-lung microbiota and alveolar macrophage M2 polarization

mBio. 2023 Oct 31;14(5):e0198723. doi: 10.1128/mbio.01987-23. Epub 2023 Sep 27.

Abstract

Pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to carry a high burden in terms of mortality. With the roles of gut microbiota in mediating lung diseases being gradually uncovered, the details of the molecular mechanism of the "gut-lung axis" mediated by beneficial microorganisms and small-molecule metabolites have gradually attracted the attention of researchers. However, further studies are still necessary to determine the efficacy of microbial-based interventions. Our findings indicate that sodium butyrate (NaB) alleviates MRSA-induced pulmonary inflammation by improving gut-lung microbiota and promoting M2 polarization of alveolar macrophages. Therefore, the preventive administration of NaB might be explored as an effective strategy to control MRSA pneumonia.

Keywords: M2 polarization; MRSA pneumonia; alveolar macrophage; gut microbiota; lung microbiota; sodium butyrate.

MeSH terms

  • Butyric Acid / pharmacology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Macrophages, Alveolar
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*
  • Pneumonia*

Substances

  • Butyric Acid