Inhibition of quorum sensing related virulence factor production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by Naringenin

The P. aeruginosa, widely spread and highly detrimental nosocomial pathogen, exhibits extensive intrinsic and acquired antibiotics resistance. Naringenin, a flavonoid compound, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, especially in inhibiting the growth of many pathogenic bacteria. Our study revealed that naringenin showed significant inhibition on the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa at non bactericidal concentrations. At the concentration of 200 μg·mL-1, naringenin inhibited the swarming and swimming motility of P. aeruginosa, reduced pyocyanin secretion, and flagella assembly. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiment was conducted, and the results showed that naringenin could reduce the expression of bacterial virulence factors related to P. aeruginosa. Naringenin inhibited bacterial adherence capability to cells in vitro. The larvae of Galleria mellonella showed a higher survival rate in treatment with naringenin in vivo. These findings suggested a promising role of naringenin in suppressing the virulence of P. aeruginosa, which encompasses the growth inhibition of various pathogenic bacteria. This indicates substantial potential for future therapeutic interventions targeting bacterial virulence.