Nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles are therapeutic for Staphylococcus aureus abscesses in a murine model of infection

PLoS One. 2009 Nov 12;4(11):e7804. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007804.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a leading cause of a diverse spectrum of bacterial diseases, including abscesses. Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical component of the natural host defense against pathogens such as SA, but its therapeutic applications have been limited by a lack of effective delivery options. We tested the efficacy of a NO-releasing nanoparticle system (NO-np) in methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) abscesses in mice. The results show that the NO-np exert antimicrobial activity against MRSA in vitro and in abscesses. Topical or intradermal NO-np treatment of abscesses reduces the involved area and bacterial load while improving skin architecture. Notably, we evaluated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that are involved in immunomodulation and wound healing, revealing that NO-np lead to a reduction in angiogenesis preventing bacterial dissemination from abscesses. These data suggest that NO-np may be useful therapeutics for microbial abscesses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / drug therapy
  • Abscess / microbiology*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Collagen / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Epidermis / metabolism
  • Female
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Nitric Oxide / administration & dosage*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Collagen
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase