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Comparative study of the influence of melatonin and vitamin E on the surface characteristics of Escherichia coli
Author(s) -
Uberos,
Goran Augustin,
J Liébana,
; Molina,
MuñozHoyos
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2001.00908.x
Subject(s) - chloramphenicol , escherichia coli , melatonin , biology , oxidative stress , vitamin e , oxidative phosphorylation , vitamin , biochemistry , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , antibiotics , antioxidant , gene
Aims: Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and that affects the response of various cell membranes to an oxidative stimulus. Methods and Results: The present study evaluates the hydrophobic characteristics of Escherichia coli in response to melatonin (100 nmol l –1 , 200 μmol l –1 ) and to vitamin E (5 mg dl −1 ). A reduction was found in the surface hydrophobicity of E. coli at concentrations of 200 μmol l –1 melatonin in a Müeller‐Hinton (MH) broth. These effects were modified when a protein synthesis inhibitor (chloramphenicol) was added at sub‐lethal concentrations to the broth. Vitamin E produced a greater diminution in surface hydrophobicity than melatonin. The adherence of E. coli to nitrocellulose filters increased in the presence of melatonin + chloramphenicol, and vitamin E. The effects observed were independent of the concentration of iron in the broth. Conclusions: Oxidative stress plays an important role in modifying the surface characteristics of E. coli , which could affect the micro‐organism’s capacity to adhere to epithelia. Significance and Impact of the Study: We think that the oxide reduction potential of the host may be a determinant factor in the bacterial colonization of animal tissue.