Antibiotic-resistant superbugs are a growing health threat. Nearly 5 million people die from these infections each year. Experts predict this number will rise by 70%, reaching 40 million deaths by 2050. Scientists must find new ways to stop harmful bacteria.
A new PLOS One study offers hope. Researchers found that hemolymph protein extract (HPE) from Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) can kill harmful bacteria. These proteins, called antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPPs), also help antibiotics work better. The study suggests that HPE could improve antibiotic treatments and slow resistance.
What Are Antimicrobial Proteins and Peptides?
Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPPs) help living things fight infections. They exist in humans, animals, and plants.
Scientists once thought AMPPs attacked all bacteria the same way. Research now shows they target bacteria precisely and work well with antibiotics. Some AMPPs weaken bacterial membranes, allowing antibiotics to enter cells more easily.
AMPPs are also less toxic and less likely to cause resistance. Five AMPPs are already used in medicine, and at least 35 are in clinical trials. Scientists prefer non-human sources to avoid harming the body’s natural defenses. Marine animals, like oysters, are important because they rely on strong immune systems.
How Did Researchers Test HPE on Bacteria?
Scientists collected Sydney rock oysters from the Clyde River in Australia. They used sterile syringes to extract HPE. Researchers then pooled, filtered, and froze the samples at -80°C. The HPE was freeze-dried for 24 hours and made five times more concentrated than in oysters.
The study tested both lab and clinical bacterial strains. Scientists grew Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. They also tested bacteria from patients with chronic infections.
Researchers combined HPE with ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim. They tested whether it made these antibiotics more effective at lower doses.
How Well Did HPE Improve Antibiotic Effectiveness?
HPE alone killed S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes but was less effective against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, or H. influenzae. However, when combined with antibiotics, HPE made the drugs work much better.
- For S. pneumoniae, HPE lowered the needed ampicillin dose by 30 times.
- For S. aureus, HPE reduced the needed ampicillin dose by five times.
- For P. aeruginosa, HPE cut the needed gentamicin dose in half.
- M. catarrhalis and K. pneumoniae also responded well to antibiotic-HPE combinations.
Can HPE Destroy Biofilms?
Biofilms are slimy layers that bacteria form to protect themselves. These layers make infections harder to treat and help bacteria survive antibiotics. Many harmful bacteria form biofilms inside the body.
HPE stopped S. pneumoniae from forming biofilms, even in small amounts. It also killed bacteria inside biofilms but did not break them apart. For S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, HPE slightly reduced biofilm formation. However, when combined with antibiotics, biofilm growth dropped significantly.
Can HPE Be Used in Medicine?
Turning natural compounds into medicine takes years of research and testing. HPE could become part of the marine-based drug market, worth over $4 million. Peptide-based drugs have already surpassed $70 billion in sales. Developing HPE for medicine is expensive, but success could bring major benefits.
Harvesting marine life for medicine can be unsustainable. However, Sydney rock oysters are already farmed commercially. This makes large-scale HPE production possible without harming wildlife. Oyster farms could use smaller or irregular oysters that are not sold for food.
Future research should explore how the environment affects HPE’s strength. Oysters collected in peak seasons may produce stronger extracts.
HPE was tested on human lung cells and showed no toxicity, even at high concentrations. This suggests it could be safe for medical use.
Conclusion
Oyster proteins may help fight antibiotic resistance. HPE strengthens existing antibiotics, stops biofilm formation, and may slow drug-resistant bacteria. With more research, oyster proteins could lead to safer and more effective treatments.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
