Analysis of the effects of statins on the bacterial viability and biofilm formation of pathogenic aerobic microorganisms

• Grant number: 13/06570-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: June 01, 2013 - May 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Karina Cogo Müller
• Grantee: Karina Cogo Müller
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nosocomial infections and infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are major concern worldwide and considered sources causing numerous cases of morbidity and mortality. Given this scenario, the search for new products that are able to effectively combat the major etiologic agents involved in nosocomial infections, bacteremia and sepsis, is required. Recent studies have shown that statins, which are currently used in medicine as lipid-lowering agents, have antimicrobial activity against different bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of statins on growth, viability and biofilm formation of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. Cultures of 10 strains of the species Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic form will be evaluated for sensitivity to atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin through testing Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Of the four statins, both to deliver better results on tests of MIC and MBC will be evaluated against two bacterial strains in additional tests to evaluate the post-antibiotic effect and time-kill in planktonic cultures. For these same strains, tests will be conducted on the ability of statins to inhibit and kill bacterial biofilms, using the time-kill test, biofilm susceptibility test and analysis of live and dead bacteria composing the biofilm by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effects of statins will be also evaluated for their ability to change the composition of proteins and polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix of the biofilm. Thus, we expect as a result of this study that statins have significant activity against certain bacterial species, both in planktonic and in biofilm forms. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GRAZIANO, TALITA SIGNORETI; CUZZULLIN, MARIA CLAUDIA; FRANCO, GILSON CESAR; SCHWARTZ-FILHO, HUMBERTO OSVALDO; DE ANDRADE, EDUARDO DIAS; GROPPO, FRANCISCO CARLOS; COGO-MUELLER, KARINA. Statins and Antimicrobial Effects: Simvastatin as a Potential Drug against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm. PLoS One, v. 10, n. 5, MAY 28 2015. (11/15795-3, 13/06570-3)