Volume 16, Issue 61 (3-2026)
NCMBJ 2026, 16(61): 61-69 |
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Shakarami N, Mehrabi M R, Yari R. Evaluation of eaeA gene expression in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in the presence of fructose. NCMBJ 2026; 16 (61) :61-69
URL: http://ncmbjpiau.ir/article-1-1799-en.html
URL: http://ncmbjpiau.ir/article-1-1799-en.html
. Department of Laboratory Science, Bo. C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran.
Abstract: (48 Views)
Aim and Background Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is one of the oldest identified pathotypes of Escherichia coli that proliferates in the small intestine and causes acute and non-bloody diarrhea in developing countries. One of the main causes of pathogenicity of this bacterium is eaeA gene activity. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the eaeA gene in this bacterium in the presence of fructose as a potential inhibitory factor derived from honey's sugar components.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, four isolates of EPEC were first cultured, and the presence of the eaeA gene was confirmed by PCR. Then, RNA extraction was performed on culture media supplemented with fructose concentrations of 2%, 8.5%, 17%, and 34% (Merck, Germany), with a fructose-free sample as a control. Finally, the Real-time PCR technique (ABI StepOne, USA) was used to investigate the effect of fructose on eaeA gene expression.
Results: The results showed that the studied fructose had a significant effect on the expression of the eaeA gene in EPEC (p<0.05). While the expression of the eaeA gene at 2% fructose concentration was higher than other treatments, it showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Gene expression decreased further at 8.5% and 17% concentrations and was completely inhibited at 34% concentration.
Conclusion: Since eaeA gene expression is one of the most important virulence factors for EPEC colonization, the results suggest that fructose can effectively reduce EPEC pathogenicity in a dose-dependent manner. According to the results, controlled oral consumption of fructose or fructose-containing products may partially inhibit EPEC activity in patients; however, this requires further clinical trials.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, four isolates of EPEC were first cultured, and the presence of the eaeA gene was confirmed by PCR. Then, RNA extraction was performed on culture media supplemented with fructose concentrations of 2%, 8.5%, 17%, and 34% (Merck, Germany), with a fructose-free sample as a control. Finally, the Real-time PCR technique (ABI StepOne, USA) was used to investigate the effect of fructose on eaeA gene expression.
Results: The results showed that the studied fructose had a significant effect on the expression of the eaeA gene in EPEC (p<0.05). While the expression of the eaeA gene at 2% fructose concentration was higher than other treatments, it showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Gene expression decreased further at 8.5% and 17% concentrations and was completely inhibited at 34% concentration.
Conclusion: Since eaeA gene expression is one of the most important virulence factors for EPEC colonization, the results suggest that fructose can effectively reduce EPEC pathogenicity in a dose-dependent manner. According to the results, controlled oral consumption of fructose or fructose-containing products may partially inhibit EPEC activity in patients; however, this requires further clinical trials.
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Cellular and molecular
Received: 2026/03/7 | Accepted: 2026/03/1 | Published: 2026/03/1
Received: 2026/03/7 | Accepted: 2026/03/1 | Published: 2026/03/1
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