Lactoferricin-inspired peptide AMC-109 augments the effect of ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in chronic murine wounds

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  • Anne Sofie Laulund
  • Franziska Angelika Schwartz
  • Lars Christophersen
  • Høiby, Niels
  • John Sigurd Mjøen Svendsen
  • Wenche Stensen
  • Kim Thomsen
  • Jorunn Pauline Cavanagh
  • Moser, Claus Ernst

Objectives: Chronic wounds are characterised by prolonged inflammation, low mitogenic activity, high protease/low inhibitor activity, microbiota changes and biofilm formation, combined with the aetiology of the original insult. One strategy to promote healing is to terminate the parasitism-like relationship between the biofilm-growing pathogen and host response. Antimicrobial peptide AMC-109 is a potential treatment with low resistance potential and broad-spectrum coverage with rapid bactericidal effect. We aimed to investigate whether adjunctive AMC-109 could augment the ciprofloxacin effect in a chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound model. Methods: Third-degree burns were inflicted on 33 BALB/c mice. Pseudomonas aeruginosa embedded in seaweed alginate was injected sub-eschar to mimic biofilm. Mice were randomised to receive AMC-109, combined AMC-109 and ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, or placebo for 5 days followed by sample collection. Results: A lower bacterial load was seen in the double-treated group compared with either monotherapy group (AMC-109, p = 0.0076; ciprofloxacin, p = 0.0266). To evaluate the innate host response, cytokines and growth factors were quantified. The pro-inflammatory response was dampened in the double-treated mice compared with the mono-ciprofloxacin-treated group (p = 0.0009). Lower mobilisation of neutrophils from the bone marrow was indicated by reduced G-CSF in all treatment groups compared with placebo. Improved tissue remodelling was indicated by the highest level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases and low metalloprotease level in the double-treated group. Conclusion: AMC-109 showed adjunctive antipseudomonal abilities augmenting the antimicrobial effect of ciprofloxacin in this wound model. The study indicates a potential role for AMC-109 in treating chronic wounds with complicating biofilm infections.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance
Volume29
Pages (from-to)185-193
Number of pages9
ISSN2213-7165
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

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    Research areas

  • AMC-109, Antimicrobial peptide, Biofilm, Host response, Pseudomonas, Wounds

ID: 307014209